UN CHIEF: CYBERCRIME CONVENTION A POWERFUL TOOL TO SAFEGUARD DIGITAL WORLD

HANOI, Oct 25 (Bernama-VNA) -- The United Nations (UN) Cybercrime Convention is a powerful, legally binding instrument to strengthen global defences against cybercrime, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

He made the remarks at the opening for signature of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention) held on Saturday in Hanoi, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

“It is a promise that fundamental human rights such as privacy, dignity and safety must be protected both offline and online. It is a testament to the continued power of multilateralism to deliver solutions, and a vow that no country, regardless of its level of development, will be left defenceless against cybercrime,” he said.

Guterres said the convention marks several major breakthroughs, including cross-border sharing of digital evidence, which has long posed a major obstacle to justice when perpetrators, victims and data are located in different countries.

“The Convention provides a clear pathway for investigators and prosecutors to finally overcome this barrier,” he added.

He said it also represents a victory for victims of online abuse, noting that for the first time in any international treaty, the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images is recognised as a criminal offence.

The convention also promotes strong protections for victims, including access to recovery, compensation and the removal of illicit content.

By creating binding obligations, the convention turns global commitments into practical safeguards. It complements the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, which aim to bridge the digital divide and strengthen global digital cooperation.

Guterres said the convention is consistent with the objectives of the recently established Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.

“Together, these commitments and mechanisms form a strong foundation to make digital spaces safe and secure,” he said.

“Today’s signing is an important milestone in our shared journey to a safer digital world, but it is only the beginning. The true power of the Convention will lie in turning signatures into tangible action,” he added.

He urged countries to ratify and implement the convention without delay, stressing that its effectiveness depends on daily commitment by all parties.

Through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which serves as the Secretariat of the Convention, and the UN Office of Legal Affairs, Guterres said the UN will assist countries in bringing the treaty into force, building capacity, strengthening investigations and deepening cross-border cooperation.

Guterres also thanked Vietnam for hosting the ceremony and for its leadership in bringing nations together.

“The UN is proud to partner with Vietnam in making this day possible. Let us seize this moment and maximise the potential of this landmark agreement. Let us build a cyberspace that respects everyone’s dignity and human rights, and ensure that the digital age delivers peace, security and prosperity for all,” he said.

Initiated by the UN in 2019, the convention was developed in response to the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to address challenges in cybersecurity, non-traditional security, climate change and sustainable development.

After five years of negotiations, the UN General Assembly adopted the convention by consensus on Dec 24, 2024.

Comprising nine chapters and 71 articles, the convention provides a comprehensive framework to prevent and combat cybercrime while upholding human rights principles.

It also seeks to enhance international cooperation and adapt legal tools to meet the demands of the digital era.

-- BERNAMA-VNA