Vietnam: National Assembly adopted Law on Artificial Intelligence including measures on use of AI in public sector

On 10 December 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly adopted the Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Law applies to Vietnamese and foreign entities operating in the country, excluding AI used solely for defence, security, or cipher purposes. It introduces a risk-based classification system for AI, categorising AI systems as high, medium, or low risk, with detailed classification criteria to be determined by the Government. The Law addresses public procurement, ethical obligations, and the use of AI in the public sector. Article 20 sets out measures to promote the development of Vietnam’s AI ecosystem and market by providing incentives and support under relevant legislation, facilitating access to infrastructure, data, and experimental environments for research, production, and commercialisation. The State encourages market development, ensures fair and transparent access to resources, and provides preferential tax, investment, and financial policies, with priority given to small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative start-ups. Organisations, research institutions, and state agencies are encouraged to share and reuse national AI databases in compliance with data protection, cybersecurity, and intellectual property laws. Article 27 establishes ethical responsibilities for the use of AI in state management and public services, requiring AI systems to support, rather than replace, human decision-making authority. Agencies operating high-risk or socially impactful AI systems must prepare impact assessment reports outlining potential risks, mitigation measures, and human oversight arrangements. These reports must be publicly disclosed, except where disclosure would involve state secrets, business secrets, or personal data. The Government is responsible for regulating procedures, assigning responsibilities, and setting risk management requirements for the use of AI in the public sector.