The 16th National Assembly passed the Law on Access to Information (amended), effective from September 1, 2026.
The Law consists of 4 chapters with 31 articles regulating the implementation of citizens' right to access information; responsibilities of state agencies and public non-business units responsible for providing basic and essential public non-business services in ensuring citizens' right to access information.
Regarding the principle of ensuring the right to access information, the Law stipulates that all citizens are equal and not discriminated against in exercising the right to access information.
People with disabilities, ethnic minorities, people living in border areas, islands, mountainous areas, ethnic minority areas, areas with difficult and extremely difficult socio-economic conditions are supported by the State, creating favorable conditions when exercising the right to access information. The information provided must be accurate and complete.
The law also stipulates prohibited acts such as: Intentionally providing false, incomplete information, delaying information provision; not providing information as prescribed; destroying information; falsifying information.
The law also strictly prohibits the provision and use of information to oppose the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, undermine solidarity policies, insult beliefs, religions, discriminate, divide ethnicities, incite violence, and affect national defense, national security, foreign affairs, social order and safety.
It is strictly forbidden to provide or use information to insult honor, dignity, prestige, cause gender discrimination, cause property damage, and infringe upon other legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations, and individuals.
It is strictly forbidden to obstruct, threaten, or suppress requesters and information providers; obstruct information provision activities; disseminate, illegally trade or intentionally disclose information provided related to business secrets, private life, personal secrets, personal data, and family secrets as prescribed in Article 16 of this Law.
Along with that, the law also strictly prohibits taking advantage of the exercise of the right to access information to commit illegal acts, hindering the normal operation of agencies and organizations.
Anyone who violates the provisions of law on access to information shall be disciplined, administratively sanctioned or prosecuted for criminal liability depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
If the information provider has committed illegal acts, if damage is caused, the compensation responsibility shall be implemented according to the provisions of relevant laws.
At the same time, the person exercising the right to access information using the information provided that adversely affects the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations or others must be responsible according to the provisions of law.
