Vietnam: Program on protecting and supporting children's development in the online environment period enters into force

On 23 March 2026, the Program on Protecting and Supporting Children's Development in the Online Environment for the 2026-2030 Period enters into force upon the date of signing of Decision No. 468/QD-TTg. The Ministry of Public Security acts as the lead agency, tasked with monitoring and inspecting the implementation of measures across ministries and localities. Under the Program, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is directed to advise on the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime by the second quarter of 2026. It mandates the Ministry of Public Security to develop guiding documents for the 2025 Law on Cybersecurity. It further directs the Ministry of Science and Technology to do the same for the 2025 Law on Artificial Intelligence, specifically focusing on user account authentication and child management on social media. The Ministry of Public Security is directed to require internet and social media service providers to implement “safe search” modes by default, authenticate user accounts, and provide separate usage modes for persons under 16 years. Furthermore, the decision establishes a state management mechanism to ensure cross-border platforms remove 100% of information infringing upon children's rights and provide user information for criminal investigations. Implementation includes the creation of a “network for responding to and protecting children in the online environment” and an ecosystem of curated digital applications. The policy also directs the Ministry of Public Security to provide user information to specialised cybersecurity forces for verification and investigation of child sexual abuse cases.