At the First Session, the 16th National Assembly passed the Law on Access to Information (amended). This Law takes effect from September 1, 2026.
This Law stipulates the implementation of citizens' right to access information; the 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 form of requesting and providing information, this law stipulates that the requester can directly or authorize the representative to request information by one of the following forms:
At agencies and units; through postal services; through the Internet, including via email, electronic information portal, electronic information page, data portal, national public service portal, mobile application or other digital platforms announced by competent agencies and units.
For people requesting information at the headquarters of agencies and units, they are allowed to use mobile phones and other personal technical means to copy, photograph, and download documents, records, and materials, unless otherwise provided by relevant laws.
As for agencies and units requested, they are responsible for providing information in the form that the requester requests in accordance with the nature of the information requested to be provided, the conditions and capabilities of the agency or unit, unless otherwise provided by law.
This law also encourages the provision of information in the form of the Internet, including via email, electronic information portals, electronic information pages, data portals, national public service portals...
Regarding information access costs, this Law clearly stipulates that citizens who are provided with information do not have to pay fees or charges, unless other relevant laws stipulate otherwise.
The person requesting information is responsible for paying the actual costs for printing, copying, photographing, and sending information.
In case the requester provides information within the public disclosure period but it has not been made public or the information is being made public but for force majeure reasons the requester cannot access it, the fee is not payable.
The Minister of Finance specifies this clause.
