This is an important legal turning point, laying the foundation for protecting the privacy and personal rights of Vietnamese citizens in the digital age.
In particular, the regulation prohibiting the purchase and sale of personal data in any form is a highlight that clearly demonstrates the viewpoint: personal data cannot be treated as a commodity in exchange, but must be considered a human right that needs to be absolutely protected.
For a long time, personal information such as phone numbers, citizen identification cards, home addresses, borrowing status, etc. of people has been advertised for sale online. Many " Data black markets" have been formed and developed sophisticatedly, creating conditions for fraudulent acts impersonating public authorities, banks, police... to appropriate property.
Most people are victims of private attacks but do not know or only know when they have become victims of scams. Meanwhile, the incomplete legal framework makes it easy for violators to circumvent the law, pushing users into a passive state and without tools to protect themselves.
That has been a painful situation for many years. Personal data, which is associated with personal identity, honor, and privacy, is treated as a commodity, as an input document for illegal activities. And the consequences are not only financial scams that are rampant on social networks and real life, but an unsafe and untrustworthy digital environment.
The Law on Personal Data Protection is adopted as a legal declaration of human rights in the digital age.
This is also a step closer to international practice. Because many countries such as the US, Germany, Singapore, Thailand... do not consider personal data as property for sale, but as a personal right strictly protected by law.
The new law of Vietnam has caught up with that trend, and at the same time specifically stipulates strict penalties: a fine of up to 3 billion VND or 10 times illegal revenue for data trading; a fine of 5% of last year's revenue for cross-border violations.
When Vietnam is promoting digital transformation in all fields, from education, healthcare, finance to public administration... personal data becomes the central "ursurce".
However, without a strict legal corridor, the digital space will not be able to become a reliable environment for people, businesses, and organizations.
The biggest challenge at present is the limitation in awareness of personal data protection, from individuals, businesses to even public employees.
In reality, many people are still very subjective, lack vigilance, and easily share information with third parties. While many organizations still consider data as a business resource, they are not fully aware of legal and ethical obligations.
Therefore, along with the law, it is necessary to have a national communication campaign on personal data protection, so that each citizen understands that: personal information is not a commodity to wear, exchange or use irresponsibly.
The law has been promulgated. Now is the time for society to join hands to make privacy the norm, not only on paper, but in every daily digital interaction.
