In fact, artificial intelligence (AI) in Vietnam is developing rapidly but lacks a sufficiently clear legal "barrier". AI has been widely applied in finance, health, education, communication and state management, but largely still relies on fragmented regulations, integrated into many different laws.
This makes it difficult to control personal data risks, algorithmic errors, and legal liability when AI causes consequences or risks dependent on foreign technologies.
Meanwhile, businesses and research organizations lack a stable legal basis to boldly invest, test and expand AI applications. This gap poses an urgent requirement to have a separate law, both ensuring social safety and creating a wide enough space for artificial intelligence to develop sustainably.
Faced with that reality, Mr. Tran Van Son - Deputy Director of the National Institute of Digital Technology and Digital Transformation (Ministry of Science and Technology) said that the National Assembly's promulgation of the Law on Artificial Intelligence (Law No. 134/2025/QH15) is inevitable. This regulation aims to establish a legal framework, promote innovation and effectively manage potential risks.
Vietnam is currently one of the few countries and regions in the world that has issued its own laws on AI, alongside the European Union, Japan and South Korea.
If the EU approaches in a strict management direction, promoting safety, Japan prioritizes promoting development, while South Korea combines both but tends to encourage, then Vietnam chooses a harmonious approach. Accordingly, the law ensures a higher level of safety than South Korea's basic framework, while creating strong development conditions similar to Japan," Mr. Son informed.
The Law on Artificial Intelligence aims for a dual goal: to fill the legal gap in managing new AI applications, while shifting from passive management thinking to proactive creation. The law is built on the principle of putting people at the center, affirming that AI is a supporting tool rather than replacing the decisive role of humans. The development and application of AI must be associated with protecting national interests, and the legitimate rights and interests of citizens.
Regarding the scope of regulation, the law comprehensively regulates research, development, provision, deployment and use of AI systems in Vietnam, except for activities specifically for national defense, national security and cryptography purposes. "The Law applies to both domestic and foreign organizations and individuals participating in AI activities on Vietnamese territory. Thereby, establishing a management mechanism for cross-border activities and affirming national sovereignty in cyberspace," Mr. Son emphasized.
The law is designed according to the framework law model, consisting of 8 chapters, 35 articles, focusing on the fundamental principles and reserving flexible space for the Government to regulate in detail, in line with the rapid development of technology. The core content of the law includes: identifying policies for AI development for people; managing AI according to risk levels; developing data infrastructure, computing infrastructure and shared platforms associated with ensuring data sovereignty; promoting the innovation and human resource development ecosystem; building a national AI ethics framework; strengthening supervision, inspection and handling of violations.
According to the Deputy Director of the National Institute of Digital Technology and Transformation, the Law on Artificial Intelligence is expected to create a strategic breakthrough, helping Vietnam move from a consumer nation to a value-creating nation in the field of AI, by removing bottlenecks in institutions, infrastructure, data and financial resources.
In terms of economy, the law contributes to improving national competitiveness; in terms of society, the law establishes a humane legal corridor, protecting people from moral risks and the negative impacts of AI...", Mr. Son assessed.
The Deputy Director of the National Institute of Digital Technology and Digital Transformation also emphasized that the Law on Artificial Intelligence is not only a management tool but also a statement of Vietnam's commitment to mastering technology, protecting people and ensuring national security and sovereignty in the digital age. The Law on Artificial Intelligence will take effect from March 1, 2026.
