Russia announced on Monday the formation of a new cybersecurity alliance with 11 authoritarian-leaning nations, including Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, North Korea, Iran, and China’s allies. The pact, titled “International Cooperation in the Field of Information Security,” seeks to promote a state-controlled model for internet governance and digital policy under the United Nations.
The signatories include Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cuba, North Korea, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Together, they endorsed a joint statement calling for a “transparent and equitable” global information security framework. The language of the statement emphasized “sovereignty” and “non-interference,” echoing long-standing narratives from authoritarian regimes wary of Western influence and free speech.
While the agreement lacks clear operational details, it centers around the upcoming U.N. Convention Against Cybercrime. That convention, pushed by Russia and China for years, is slated for initial signing in Hanoi on October 25, 2025. The United Nations claims it targets crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, and online fraud. However, critics warn its vague definitions could be weaponized by authoritarian states to justify censorship, surveillance, and repression of dissent.
Despite these concerns, the Biden administration has signaled intent to support the U.N. treaty. The administration argues that participation could help shape the implementation of the convention and limit abuses. Nevertheless, the agreement faces an uphill battle in the U.S. Senate, where a two-thirds majority would be required for ratification.
The signatory states also voiced support for a “Permanent Mechanism on ICT Security” to replace the current U.N. working group on the issue. The mechanism would further institutionalize global governance of internet technologies, with the goal of establishing stricter controls and increased “technical assistance” to developing nations — likely expanding the influence of authoritarian regimes.
The statement condemned the use of information and communication technologies “to destabilize” countries and opposed private entities or Western powers exerting control over cyberspace. Notably, countries signing the pact have long faced accusations of launching cyberattacks, controlling online access, and persecuting digital activists.
