In a major step toward global cyber safety, 72 nations, including India, have signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam. The treaty - the world’s first universal legal framework against cybercrime - aims to strengthen international cooperation among law enforcement agencies and provide technical assistance to nations with limited cyber infrastructure.

Spanning 41 pages, the treaty covers crimes like illegal interception, money laundering, hacking, and online child abuse. However, several digital rights groups and tech companies have raised concerns that it could be misused to criminalise legitimate online activity, such as free speech or ethical hacking.

For India, where each cyber police station receives nearly 30 complaints daily, the treaty could help boost cyber resilience and streamline cross-border investigations. Yet, the key challenge lies in balancing security with privacy and digital freedom, ensuring that the fight against cybercrime doesn’t turn into surveillance overreach.

This global accord signals a new era in cyber governance, but the real test begins with its implementation and accountability.