Protect personal data collected from audio and video recordings in public places

Legal Consulting Office of Lao Dong Newspaper answers:

Article 32 of the 2025 Law on Personal Data Protection (effective from January 1, 2026) stipulates the protection of personal data collected from audio and video recording activities in public places and public activities as follows:

1. Agencies, organizations, individuals are allowed to record audio, video and process personal data collected from audio and video recording activities in public places, public activities without the consent of the subject of personal data in the following cases:

a) To perform national defense tasks, protect national security, ensure social order and safety, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organizations, and individuals;

b) Sound, images, other identification information obtained from public activities including conferences, seminars, sports competitions, art performances and other public activities without harming the honor, dignity, and reputation of the subject of personal data;

c) Other cases as prescribed by law.

2. In case of recording audio and video according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for notifying or providing other forms of information so that the subject of personal data knows that they are being recorded audio and video, unless otherwise provided by law.

3. Personal data collected is only processed and used in accordance with the processing purpose, not used for illegal purposes or infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of the subject of personal data.

4. Personal data collected from audio and video recording activities in public places and public activities is only stored for the necessary period of time to serve the purpose of collection, unless otherwise provided by law. When the storage period expires, personal data must be deleted or destroyed according to the provisions of this Law.

5. Agencies, organizations, and individuals performing recording, filming, and processing personal data collected from recording, filming in cases specified in Clause 1 of this Article are responsible for protecting personal data in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other relevant legal regulations.

Thus, from January 1, 2026, the protection of personal data collected from audio and video recording activities in public places is regulated as above.