What benefits does Vietnam get from the Hanoi Convention?

The Hanoi Convention is seen as a turning point in efforts to combat global cybercrime, protect vulnerable users and strengthen the digital economy.

The Hanoi Convention is a new milestone in the fight against cybercrime. Illustration photo: Bloomberg.

Hanoi is hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, taking place on October 25-26. Also known as the “Hanoi Convention”, this is the first comprehensive international legal document in the field, marking an important step forward in global international cooperation to deal with non-traditional security threats.

The Convention consists of 9 chapters with 71 articles, including criminalizing acts such as illegal intrusion into ICT (information and communications technology) systems, online fraud, online child exploitation, and money laundering from illegal assets.

The document also establishes a mechanism for international cooperation on investigation, extradition, data sharing and protection of human rights in cyberspace. According to analysts, this is a turning point in the effort to fight global cybercrime, protect vulnerable groups and strengthen the digital economy .

The important role of Vietnam

Dr Jeff Nijsse, lecturer in Software Engineering at RMIT University Vietnam, said the Hanoi Convention reflects Vietnam's increasingly prominent role in the global fight against cybercrime.

“Being chosen to host the signing ceremony of the Convention shows that Vietnam is becoming a country of strategic importance,” Dr. Nijsse emphasized.

According to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI 2024), Vietnam is among the leading countries with a near-perfect score. This demonstrates the rapid development of the national cybersecurity system.

The signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention was the first time Vietnam hosted a signing ceremony of a United Nations convention. Photo: Pexels .

Next, Dr. Nijsse appreciated the modernity of the Convention, especially when it included digital assets/virtual assets in the definition of property.

“This is a very welcome new feature as it identifies cases where cryptocurrencies are being abused by cybercriminals for ransomware or money laundering.

“Clear regulations help remove legal ambiguity in previous documents, and at the same time create a basis for law enforcement agencies to trace and confiscate cryptocurrencies originating from criminal acts,” Dr. Nijsse added.

The Convention's highlights also come from requiring each country to designate a 24/7 contact point, support urgent investigations and provide for extradition for cybercrimes, and prevent criminals from crossing borders to evade the law.

Promote safe internet use

According to data from Cybersecurity Ventures , global losses due to cybercrime are expected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.

In that context, Dr. Sreenivas Tirumala, lecturer of Cyber ​​Security at RMIT Vietnam, said the Convention will contribute to protecting the global digital economy through international standards, promoting safe Internet use and enhancing trust.

“The Convention promotes shared responsibility, capacity building and international cooperation towards a safer digital future.

The focus on developing countries is expected to provide technical assistance, training and capacity building for young Vietnamese people, contributing to narrowing the gap in cybersecurity skills,” said Dr. Tirumala.

Dr. Jeff Nijsse (left) and Dr. Sreenivas Tirumala. Photo: RMIT Vietnam .

RMIT Vietnam representative also emphasized the importance of the Convention in protecting vulnerable groups, especially adolescents, from the risk of exploitation and abuse through social networks.

“The Convention provides a framework for Vietnamese policymakers and legislators to strengthen domestic laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect vulnerable groups,” Dr. Tirumala shared.

As the Convention moves closer to ratification and entry into force, Vietnam will have an opportunity to translate its diplomatic leadership into practical impact.

According to analysts, adjusting domestic laws in line with international standards and promoting inter-sectoral cooperation will help Vietnam create a safer digital environment for people in the country and across the region.

Source: https://znews.vn/viet-nam-huong-loi-gi-tu-cong-uoc-ha-noi-post1596538.html