Quick Overview
Vietnam’s governance approach is shaped by its national digital transformation strategy, which emphasises safety, data responsibility, and public-sector modernisation. Rather than introducing a single law for automation, Vietnam embeds governance into its Cybersecurity Law, Personal Data Protection Decree, and sector guidelines. The country aims to build digital growth responsibly while supporting innovation, infrastructure, and human development. Vietnam is accelerating regional digital partnerships, including new cooperation with Laos on national data systems and with the EU on digital-green transformation.
What's Changing
- The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) leads work on ethics, transparency, and sector governance.
- The Personal Data Protection Decree (2023) is now enforced, strengthening consent, data rights, and processing rules.
- Digital transformation programmes focus on responsible deployment in public administration, health, finance, and education.
- The National Committee on Digital Transformation oversees rollout through a whole-of-government approach.
- Universities and research centres contribute to guidelines on safety, fairness, and model robustness.
UPDATES 28/11/25
- Vietnam and Laos have launched a new cooperation programme covering cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity capacity building, and the creation of Laos’ national population database (linked to Vietnam’s Project 06).
- Vietnam and the EU agreed to expand cooperation in digital transformation, circular economy, clean energy transition, and science-technology innovation, with discussions underway to elevate relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Vietnam’s digital economy reached 18.3 percent of GDP in 2024, with a 2025 target of 20.5 percent.
Who's Affected
- State agencies digitising public services.
- Telecom, banking, and manufacturing firms using analytics and automation.
- Startups supporting e-commerce, mobility, logistics, and public health.
- International providers processing Vietnamese user data or supplying infrastructure.
- Cross-border technology firms and infrastructure providers participating in new Vietnam–Laos and Vietnam–EU cooperation frameworks.
Core Principles
- Security: Systems must follow cybersecurity standards and protect national interests.
- Data responsibility: Use of personal data must comply with the PDP Decree.
- Transparency: Automated processes must be disclosed to users.
- Fairness: Organisations must minimise bias and discriminatory outcomes.
- Sustainable development: Governance supports long-term economic and social goals.
What It Means for Business
Businesses operating in Vietnam must implement strong data-protection controls, maintain transparent documentation of how systems work, and follow sector-specific guidance. Aligning system designs with domestic cybersecurity requirements is essential for public-sector and regulated industries. Local partnerships and stakeholder engagement are especially valuable for building trust and navigating compliance. Cross-border opportunities are expanding, particularly for firms involved in digital infrastructure, AI systems, cybersecurity, and cloud services due to new Vietnam–Laos and Vietnam–EU cooperation programmes.
What to Watch Next
- Additional implementation guidance under the Personal Data Protection Decree.
- Algorithms and risk review frameworks for high-impact sectors.
- Strengthened coordination across ministries under the national digital plan.
- Growing connections with Singapore, Japan, and South Korea on standards.
- Progress on Vietnam’s support for Laos’ national population database and associated AI and cloud-infrastructure initiatives.
- Implementation priorities identified under the Vietnam–EU digital-green cooperation agenda.
- Updates on Vietnam’s digital-economy target of 20.5 percent of GDP in 2025.
| Aspect | Vietnam | Thailand | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach Type | Digital strategy + decrees | Privacy law + policy | Data laws + inclusion |
| Legal Strength | Binding privacy decree | Binding PDPA | Binding PDP Law |
| Focus Areas | Security, data governance | Ethics, public services | Privacy, public trust |
| Lead Bodies | MIC, Digital Transformation Committee | MDES, DGA | KOMINFO |
Local Resources
Related coverage on AIinASIA explores how these policies affect businesses, platforms, and adoption across the region. View AI regulation coverage
This overview is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory frameworks may evolve, and readers should consult official government sources or legal counsel where appropriate.
Latest Comments (5)
This is quite an insightful read, thank you for sharing! It's heartening to see Vietnam prioritise digital governance so proactively. From an Indian perspective, where we also grapple with the balancing act of technological advancement and user protection, I'm curious about the granularity of these "sector guidelines." Are there specific industries, like say, healthcare or financial services, where these policies are particularly stringent, or is it more of a broad brush approach across the board? I wonder if there’s a framework for adapting these guidelines as technology evolves, because that’s often the real challenge, isn't it?
This is truly interesting to see how Vietnam is prioritising digital governance. Here in Singapore, we're already quite advanced in data protection and cybersecurity, but it's always good to observe how other nations in the neighbourhood are approaching similar challenges. The emphasis on sector-specific guidelines is a smart move; helps ensure nuanced policy application, lah. It makes one think about how our frameworks might evolve further.
This is a brilliant development for Vietnam! Focusing on data protection and cybersecurity from the get-go is super smart. Many nations play catch-up, so having these foundations built into their digital strategy from the beginning will give them a real leg up. Good on them for being so forward-thinking.
Fascinating to see Vietnam prioritising digital governance like this. It's truly forward-thinking. My only reservation, however, is how "responsible" these policies will ultimately prove in practice. Data protection is one thing on paper, quite another when it comes to effective oversight and enforcement, especially given the state's significant role. Still, a promising direction.
This is excellent news, truly. It makes me wonder, though, how Vietnam plans to balance these stringent data protection initiatives with fostering an environment conducive to technological innovation and start-up growth? It’s a fine line to walk, innit?
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