Vietnam: Law on Artificial Intelligence including measures regarding prohibited acts enters into force

On 1 March 2026, the Law on Artificial Intelligence enters into force. The Law applies to Vietnamese and foreign entities operating in the country, excluding AI used solely for defence, security, or cipher purposes. The Law introduces a risk-based classification system for AI systems. High-risk AI systems are those that may cause significant harm to life or health, infringe the legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organisations, or affect public interests or national security. Medium-risk AI systems are systems that may mislead or manipulate users, particularly where users do not realise, they are interacting with an AI system or AI-generated content. Low-risk AI systems include all other systems that do not meet the criteria for high- or medium-risk classification. The Government is responsible for issuing implementing rules on this classification framework. The Law outlines measures regarding prohibited acts. In particular, Article 7 prohibits exploiting or misappropriating AI systems to violate laws or infringe the rights and interests of individuals or organisations. It bans the development, provision, deployment, or use of AI systems for unlawful purposes, including using fake or simulated elements of real people or events to deliberately mislead or manipulate, targeting vulnerable groups to cause harm, or creating and spreading false content that threatens national security, social order, or safety. The collection, processing, or use of data for AI development that violates data, personal data, intellectual property, or cybersecurity regulations is also prohibited. Acts that obstruct, disable, or distort human supervision and control over AI systems, conceal required information, or misuse AI research and testing for unlawful purposes are likewise forbidden.