More than 60 countries sign historic UN treaty against cybercrime

A ceremony in Hanoi marks a milestone in international digital cooperation.

Hanoi, Vietnam In a high-level ceremony held in the Vietnamese capital, more than 60 countries signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, consolidating the first legally binding global treaty to combat digital threats and strengthen international cooperation in cybersecurity matters.

A five-year effort

The Convention, officially adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 24, 2024, represents the culmination of five years of intense negotiations among member states. The process involved active participation from multiple sectors, including civil society, information security experts, academic institutions, and representatives from the private sector.

This legal instrument emerges as a response to the growing sophistication and frequency of cybercrimes affecting individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. From identity theft to attacks on critical infrastructure, cybercrime has become one of the most significant threats of the 21st century.

Scope and objectives of the treaty

The Convention establishes a comprehensive legal framework that seeks to harmonize national legislations and facilitate cross-border cooperation. Among its main components are:

Criminalization of offenses: The treaty establishes that certain conducts must be considered crimes in all signatory countries, including illegal interception of communications, misuse of computer devices, and crimes related to child pornography.

International cooperation: The document provides tools and mechanisms to improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies from different countries, facilitating the investigation and prosecution of criminals operating across digital borders.

Technical assistance: Provisions for technical assistance and capacity building are included, recognizing that many developing countries need support to strengthen their cybersecurity systems.

Rights protection: Despite initial concerns from some civil society groups, the treaty includes safeguards to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in the digital environment.

Latin American participation

The Latin American region showed significant commitment to the initiative. Ecuador signed the Convention during the ceremony in Hanoi, joining other countries in the region such as Brazil, Chile, and Peru, which also signed the agreement and are advancing internal legislative reforms for its implementation.

This regional participation is particularly relevant considering that Latin America has experienced a considerable increase in cyberattacks in recent years, affecting both the public and private sectors.

The path to entry into force

Although the signing ceremony in Vietnam represents a crucial step, the Convention must still meet certain requirements to enter into force. According to the provisions in the treaty text, it will begin to have legal effect 90 days after the fortieth country completes its ratification process.

This period will allow signatory countries to carry out the necessary internal legislative procedures to adapt their national legal frameworks to the Convention's provisions.

Challenges and future perspectives

While the adoption of the treaty represents significant progress, cybersecurity experts point out that its effectiveness will depend on the political will of States to implement it effectively. Some of the anticipated challenges include:

• The need for investment in technological infrastructure and specialized personnel training
• Coordination between national and international agencies
• The balance between security and privacy in the digital age
• Continuous adaptation to new forms of cybercrime that constantly emerge

A necessary global consensus

The broad international support for the treaty reflects universal recognition that cybercrime knows no borders and requires a coordinated global response. The Convention provides, for the first time, a common legal framework that will allow countries to work together more effectively to protect their citizens and businesses from digital threats.

The signing ceremony in Hanoi not only marks a historic moment in global internet governance, but also sends a clear message: the international community is committed to creating a safer cyberspace for all.

The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime will be available for signature throughout 2025, and more countries are expected to join this historic initiative in the coming months.