The United Nations has opened the world’s first global convention to combat cybercrime, marking a major step in international efforts to address the growing threat of digital criminal activity.
The UN Convention against Cybercrime was officially opened for signature in Hanoi, Viet Nam, with 65 states signing the treaty. Each signatory must now ratify it according to its national procedures before it comes into force.
The convention, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024, will enter into force 90 days after ratification by the 40th signatory. It represents a landmark commitment to preventing and responding to crimes facilitated by information and communications technology, including terrorism, human trafficking, financial crimes and drug smuggling.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the convention as a historic milestone in strengthening global resilience against cyber threats. “The UN Cybercrime Convention is a powerful, legally binding instrument to strengthen our collective defences against cybercrime,” Guterres said. “It is a testament to the continued power of multilateralism to deliver solutions. And it is a vow that no country, no matter their level of development, will be left defenceless against cybercrime.”
The new treaty sets out the first global framework for the collection, sharing and use of electronic evidence in serious offences, a significant advancement given the lack of international standards in this area until now. It also criminalises a wide range of online offences, including cyber-dependent crimes, online fraud, child sexual exploitation and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
A notable feature of the convention is the creation of a global 24/7 network to facilitate rapid cooperation among countries investigating or responding to cyber incidents. Additionally, it places strong emphasis on capacity building, especially for developing nations, to enhance their ability to pursue cybercriminals and collaborate internationally.
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) executive director Ghada Waly highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating that “Cybercrime is changing the face of organized crime as we know it, and the new UN Cybercrime Convention provides Member States with a vital tool to fight back together.” Waly added that the signing marked the culmination of five years of negotiations and underscored the enduring importance of multilateral collaboration.
“The signing of the Convention highlights the enduring value of multilateral cooperation after five years of negotiations. I am proud of the role UNODC has played in this achievement, and deeply grateful to Viet Nam for its leadership in hosting the signing ceremony. Now we must ensure the Convention’s swift entry into force and implementation, for a safer digital world for all,” she said.
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