HANOI: A landmark UN cybercrime treaty, aimed at tackling offenses that cost the global economy trillions of dollars annually, is set to be signed in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi by around 60 countries over the weekend. The convention, which will take effect after it is ratified by 40 nations, is expected to streamline international cooperation against cybercrime, but has been criticized by activists and tech companies over concerns of possible human rights abuses.
“Cyberspace has become fertile ground for criminals...every day, sophisticated scams defraud families, steal livelihoods, and drain billions of dollars from our economies,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the opening ceremony.
“The UN Cybercrime Convention is a powerful, legally binding instrument to strengthen our collective defenses against cybercrime.”
The convention targets a broad spectrum of offenses from phishing and ransomware to online trafficking and hate speech, the UN has said, citing estimates that cybercrime costs the global economy trillions of dollars each year.
Vietnam President Luong Cuong said the signing of the convention “not only marks the birth of a global legal instrument, but also affirms the enduring vitality of multilateralism, where countries overcome differences and are willing to shoulder responsibilities together for the common interests of peace, security, stability and development.”
Critics have warned its vague definition of crime could enable abuse. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, which includes Meta and Microsoft, has dubbed the pact a “surveillance treaty,” saying it may facilitate data sharing among governments and criminalize ethical hackers who test systems for vulnerabilities.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led the treaty negotiations, said the agreement includes provisions to protect human rights and promotes legitimate research activities.
The European Union, the United States and Canada sent diplomats and officials to sign the treaty in Hanoi.
Vietnam’s role as host has also stirred controversy. The US State Department recently flagged “significant human rights issues” in the country, including online censorship. Human Rights Watch says at least 40 people have been arrested this year, including for expressing dissent online.
Vietnam views the treaty as an opportunity to enhance its global standing and cyber defenses amid rising attacks on critical infrastructure.
UN cybercrime treaty to be signed in Hanoi to tackle global offenses
https://arab.news/rjcjb
UN cybercrime treaty to be signed in Hanoi to tackle global offenses
- The convention targets a broad spectrum of offenses from phishing and ransomware to online trafficking and hate speech
South Korea calls for resuming dialogue with North
- President Lee Jae Myung has sought to mend ties with the nuclear-armed North since taking office in June
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week dashed hopes of a diplomatic thaw with Seoul
SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on Sunday for dialogue with North Korea to resume, after Pyongyang last week shunned the prospect of diplomacy with its neighbor.
Since taking office in June, a dovish Lee has sought to mend ties with the nuclear-armed North, which reaffirmed its anti-Seoul approach during a party meeting last week.
“As my administration has repeatedly made clear, we respect the North’s system and will neither engage in any type of hostile acts, nor pursue any form of unification by absorption,” Lee said in a speech marking the anniversary of a historical campaign against Japan’s colonial rule.
“We will also continue our efforts to resume dialogue with the North,” he said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week dashed hopes of a diplomatic thaw with Seoul, describing its overtures as “clumsy, deceptive farce and a poor work.”
Speaking at the party congress in Pyongyang, Kim said North Korea has “absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity, and will permanently exclude South Korea from the category of compatriots.”
But he also said the North could “get along well” with the United States if Washington acknowledges its nuclear status.
Speculation has mounted over whether US President Donald Trump will seek a meeting with Kim during planned travels to China.
Last year, Trump said he was “100 percent” open to a meeting.
Previous Trump-Kim summits during the US president’s first term fell apart after the pair failed to agree over sanctions relief — and what nuclear concessions North Korea might make in return.
