UN Convention Against Cybercrime Opens for Signature

• •The UN Convention against Cybercrime was adopted in December 2024 and opened for signature in October 2025.
• •Over 70 countries signed the Convention, which will enter into force after 40 ratifications.
• •Concerns exist regarding civil liberties and the potential misuse of the Convention's provisions.

The UN Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the Hanoi Convention, was adopted on December 24, 2024, and opened for signature on October 25-26, 2025, in Hanoi, Vietnam. Over 70 countries signed the Convention, which aims to establish a legal framework for combating cybercrime and enhancing international cooperation. The Convention will enter into force 90 days after ratification by 40 states and remains open for signature until December 31, 2026. The ongoing work by the Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) focuses on rules of procedure for the Conference of States Parties and potential additional protocols. Concerns have been raised about provisions that may overreach and impact civil liberties, particularly regarding surveillance and data access. The AHC's sessions have seen contention over civil society's participation, which may limit their influence in the implementation process. The Convention obligates states to criminalize specific cyber conduct and cooperate on serious cybercrime cases.