Global Teamwork Against Cybercrime: A New Pact in Hanoi

In a significant move, about 60 countries are coming together in Hanoi to sign a new U. N. agreement aimed at fighting cybercrime. This treaty, which needs approval from 40 nations to become active, is designed to make it easier for countries to work together against cyber threats. However, not everyone is happy with it. Some groups and tech companies are worried that the treaty might be used to harm human rights. The U. N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, pointed out that cybercrime is a big problem. He mentioned that clever online scams are happening every day, causing serious harm to people and economies. The treaty covers a wide range of crimes, from phishing and ransomware to online trafficking and hate speech. The U. N. estimates that cybercrime costs the global economy trillions of dollars each year. Vietnam's President, Luong Cuong, sees the treaty as a step forward for global cooperation. He believes it shows countries can work together for peace and security. However, critics argue that the treaty's broad definition of crime could lead to misuse. Tech companies like Meta and Microsoft have raised concerns, calling the treaty a "surveillance treaty. " They fear it could allow governments to share data and punish ethical hackers who help find system vulnerabilities. The U. N. Office on Drugs and Crime, which led the negotiations, insists that the treaty includes protections for human rights and supports legitimate research. The signing in Hanoi has also brought attention to Vietnam's own human rights issues. The U. S. has noted significant concerns, including online censorship. Human Rights Watch reports that at least 40 people have been arrested this year for expressing their views online. Despite this, Vietnam sees the treaty as a chance to boost its global image and strengthen its cyber defenses.