Why it matters:
The pact marks the first international attempt to create a unified response to cybercrime — a rapidly expanding threat that costs the global economy billions each year and exploits gaps between national jurisdictions.
What they’re saying:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the accord “a major milestone in our journey toward a safer digital world,” but cautioned that it is “only the beginning.”
“Every day, we face scams that destroy families and drain billions from the global economy. A unified response is essential to confront them,” Guterres said.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hailed the signing — now endorsed by 64 nations — as a reflection of “the international community’s trust in Vietnam’s commitment to the rule of law and its efforts to build a safe and stable cyberspace.”
The big picture:
The treaty — years in the making and initially proposed by Russia in 2017 — establishes the first global legal framework to combat online crimes, including child exploitation, cyber fraud, and cross-border money laundering.
While the treaty seeks to tighten cooperation among nations, it has triggered pushback from human rights advocates and tech firms — including Meta, Dell, and Infosys — who warn that its vague language could allow governments to justify surveillance or cross-border crackdowns on journalists, activists, or political dissidents.
Between the lines:
Critics warn that the agreement’s broad definitions could allow cooperation between states in “virtually any criminal act,” potentially eroding privacy protections.
Waht's next:
The treaty will enter into force once it is formally ratified by the signatory states.
Go deeper:
Cybercrime, child suicides in Japan hit record high in 2022
Zohre Khazaee - seyed mohammad kazemi
