The Hanoi Convention on Combating Cybercrime has officially opened for signature.

A historic step forward in global cybersecurity cooperation.

This morning in Hanoi, the signing ceremony for the United Nations Convention on Combating the Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Criminal Purposes, also known as the Hanoi Convention, officially took place. The event attracted representatives from over 100 countries and international organizations, demonstrating the strong commitment of the global community to addressing the growing cybersecurity threats.

This is considered the first and only comprehensive international legal document on combating cybercrime. The signing of this convention opens a new chapter for multilateral cooperation, creating a common legal framework for countries to jointly investigate, prosecute, and prevent cross-border cybercrimes.

The core objectives of the Hanoi Convention

The Hanoi Convention sets out key objectives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the fight against high-tech crime globally. Member states will commit to implementing several important provisions.

• Harmonizing national laws:The Convention encourages countries to criminalize a range of cyber offenses, from unauthorized access and online fraud to the distribution of malware, creating legal compatibility between nations.
• Strengthening cooperation in law enforcement:The document provides a legal basis for more rapid and effective cooperation in investigations, sharing of electronic evidence, and extradition of cybercriminals.
• Technical support and capacity building:The Convention emphasizes the importance of supporting developing countries in building technical, legal, and human capacity to prevent and combat cybercrime.
• Protecting sovereignty and fundamental rights:The implementation of the convention must respect national sovereignty and human rights, as well as fundamental freedoms under international law.

Vietnam's role as host and its mark

Being chosen as the venue for the signing ceremony and the unofficial designation "Hanoi Convention" is a recognition by the international community of Vietnam's role and positive, responsible contributions to multilateral forums. This affirms Vietnam's consistent policy of supporting and participating in building a safe and healthy cyberspace to serve socio-economic development and international cooperation.

The next steps following the signing ceremony.

Following the signing ceremony, participating countries will proceed with domestic ratification procedures in accordance with their respective laws. The Convention will officially enter into force once the required number of countries have ratified it. From that point on, the Convention's provisions will become a legally binding instrument, enabling the international community to coordinate actions more effectively and forcefully to combat cybercrime and protect the safety of people and businesses worldwide.