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Representatives from dozens of countries are set to sign a United Nations cybercrime treaty in Hanoi this weekend — a historic step toward coordinated global action against cyberattacks, but one already drawing intense criticism for its potential human rights implications.

The convention seeks to streamline cooperation against digital crimes like phishing, ransomware, and online trafficking, but rights groups and major tech firms warn that the treaty’s broad language could enable state surveillance, cross-border data sharing, and censorship.

Critics, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, argue the pact could be weaponized by governments to silence dissent. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, whose members include Meta and Microsoft, has branded the document a “surveillance treaty,” saying it risks legitimizing digital authoritarianism.

Vietnam’s selection as host has further inflamed debate. The U.S. State Department cited “serious human rights issues” in the country, and Human Rights Watch said at least 40 people have been detained this year for online criticism of the state. For activists like Raman Jit Singh Chima of Access Now, hosting the signing there “sends the wrong message” about the treaty’s priorities.

Still, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) maintains the pact includes human rights clauses and lets signatories reject cooperation requests that conflict with international norms. It also “encourages legitimate research” — an assurance aimed at calming fears that ethical hackers might be criminalised.

The European Union and Canada plan to sign, while the U.S. has not confirmed participation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to attend the signing ceremony.

Analysts say the treaty’s success will depend on how countries implement its provisions — balancing cybersecurity with civil liberties. “The danger,” said one policy expert, “is that the cure for cybercrime could end up threatening the very freedoms it seeks to protect.”