On October 25, the first international convention in the world aimed at preventing and combating cybercrime opened for signing in Hanoi, Vietnam. This was reported by the UN.
After signing, the document must undergo the ratification process in each of the participating states.
The main goal of this convention is to enhance the effectiveness of measures to combat cybercrime by strengthening international cooperation and developing capacity, especially in developing economies.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized at the signing ceremony: “The UN Convention against Cybercrime is a powerful legally binding instrument designed to enhance our protection against cyber threats.”
Key provisions of the Convention include:
the establishment of the first global mechanism for collecting, sharing, and using electronic evidence for all serious crimes;
the establishment of criminal liability for cybercrimes and offenses related to online fraud, sexual exploitation of children online, and involving minors in illegal activities on the internet;
the recognition of the unauthorized distribution of intimate images as a crime;
the creation of the world's first 24/7 global network for operational interaction between states;
the recognition of the need to develop capacities for effective investigation of cybercrime.
The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024 and will enter into force 90 days after 40 participating states ratify it.
