HANOI, Oct 25 (Reuters) - A landmark U.N. cybercrime

treaty, aimed at tackling offences 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 criticised 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," U.N.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the opening ceremony.

"The U.N. Cybercrime Convention is a powerful, legally

binding instrument to strengthen our collective defences against

cybercrime."

The convention targets a broad spectrum of offences from

phishing and ransomware to online trafficking and hate speech,

the U.N. 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 ( MSFT ), has dubbed the pact a "surveillance

treaty," saying it may facilitate data sharing among governments

and criminalise ethical hackers who test systems for

vulnerabilities.

The U.N. 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

U.S. 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 defences amid rising attacks on

critical infrastructure.