A new United Nations cybercrime treaty, poised for signing in Hanoi this weekend, is drawing intense criticism from human rights advocates and major technology firms who warn it risks enabling state surveillance and suppressing free expression.
Critics argue the agreement’s broad definitions of cybercrime could be exploited by governments to monitor citizens or stifle online dissent, rather than target actual criminals. This concern is amplified by the selection of Vietnam as the host nation.
A coalition of tech giants, including Meta and Microsoft, known as the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, has labeled the proposed pact a “surveillance treaty.” They contend it would facilitate the exchange of private data between governments and could inadvertently make it easier for cybercriminals to operate.
The UN Human Rights High Commissioner previously cautioned during negotiations that “laws with overly broad definitions of cybercrime are often used to unduly restrict freedom of expression.”
The choice of Vietnam to host the signing ceremony has fueled further alarm due to its documented human rights record. A U.S. State Department report from August highlighted “significant human rights issues” in the country, including restrictions on online free expression.
Human Rights Watch reported that at least 40 individuals have been arrested in Vietnam this year for crimes that include posting anti-government messages online.
The UN states the treaty aims to tackle a wide array of online offenses, from phishing and ransomware to online human trafficking and hate speech. These crimes are estimated to cost the global economy trillions of USD annually.
The agreement will take effect once ratified by 40 countries, a move the UN anticipates will lead to a more rapid and effective global response to cybercrime.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led the negotiations, maintains the treaty includes provisions to safeguard human rights. It also allows member states to reject cooperation requests that conflict with international law.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to attend the signing ceremony on October 25.
Vietnamese officials view their hosting of the event as an opportunity to enhance the nation’s international standing and consider the treaty a vital tool for strengthening their own cybersecurity defenses.