Vietnam’s National Assembly has passed a landmark Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI), with 429 out of 434 participating deputies voting in favor on December 10. The law, effective from March 1, 2026, reflects a strong consensus among lawmakers on the need for a comprehensive framework to foster the development of AI technology and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the digital age.
This marks the first time Vietnam has enacted a separate law dedicated to AI, comprising 35 articles designed to balance risk control with innovation promotion. The legislation aims to align with international practices and supports Vietnam’s integration into global technology standards. Central to the law is the principle that AI should serve humanity, emphasizing that it must not replace human roles and that critical decisions involving AI must have human oversight.
The newly established AI Law lays the groundwork for significant advancements in AI capabilities, from computing infrastructure to data management and research initiatives. It facilitates the creation of a national AI supercomputing center and a controlled open data system, which are expected to lower computing costs, remove barriers to market entry, and promote a transparent AI ecosystem.
In addition to providing critical infrastructure, the law introduces mechanisms aimed at accelerating AI development. These include the establishment of a National AI Development Fund and an AI Voucher scheme to support enterprises adopting AI technologies, as well as a controlled sandbox for testing sensitive AI solutions. This environment will allow tech companies, particularly deep-tech startups, to experiment with AI applications while minimizing legal risks.
The legislation also tackles emerging challenges related to AI, including algorithmic ethics, responsibilities of cross-border AI service providers, and the regulation of AI-generated content. A risk-based management approach is a key feature, categorizing AI systems by their potential impact and risk levels, thereby imposing stricter requirements on applications that may pose significant risks to lawful rights in sectors like finance, healthcare, and education.
The comprehensive nature of the AI Law ensures a dual focus on encouraging innovation while also managing potential societal risks. Alongside its technological and regulatory provisions, the law emphasizes human resource development by mandating the creation of a national strategy for AI workforce development. This includes integrating AI education into general curricula and encouraging universities to expand their AI-related programs.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy highlighted the importance of this legislation, stating that it enables Vietnam to develop a robust AI workforce and infrastructure that promotes autonomy. He noted that the government is committed to making AI a “smart assistant” for all citizens, thereby enhancing productivity and access to knowledge across various sectors.
Vietnam’s approach to AI development is grounded in a philosophy of openness, advocating for open standards, open data, and open-source technology. This vision aims not only to enhance domestic capabilities but also to facilitate global knowledge exchange and technological mastery, enabling the country to contribute beneficially to humanity while ensuring safety and transparency in AI applications.
To ensure a viable market for AI, the state plans to actively promote AI applications within government agencies and various industries. The National Technology Innovation Fund is expected to allocate 30 to 40 percent of its resources to support these initiatives, including AI vouchers for small and medium-sized enterprises. This strategic support aims to nurture a thriving domestic market that serves as a foundation for robust AI enterprises.
The approval of the AI Law comes at a pivotal time as advancements in AI technology increasingly permeate everyday life. Establishing a clear legal framework will be vital for Vietnam to safeguard data privacy, ensure safe technology deployment, and foster sustainable growth in the AI sector. With this legislation, Vietnam is poised to embark on a new chapter in AI development, focusing on responsible, innovative, and proactive integration of AI as a key driver of its digital economy.
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