VIETNAM has become the first country in South-east Asia to implement a comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence, marking a significant step in the region’s response to the rapid expansion of generative technologies.
The legislation, approved by the National Assembly in December, came into force on March 1 and establishes a broad regulatory framework governing the development, deployment and use of AI systems.
AFP reported on Sunday that the law places particular emphasis on generative AI, requiring human oversight and control in a manner broadly aligned with the European Union’s landmark AI Act.
In a report published in December, the government said the law “paves the way for Vietnam to deeply integrate with international standards while maintaining digital sovereignty”.
Under the new framework, companies must clearly label AI-generated material, including deepfakes that may not be readily distinguishable from authentic content. They are also required to inform users when they are interacting with an artificial agent rather than a human being.
The provisions apply not only to Vietnamese developers and service providers but also to foreign entities operating within the country. The law covers developers, providers and deployers of AI technology alike, reflecting the government’s intent to regulate the full lifecycle of AI systems.
Vietnam has set ambitious double-digit economic growth targets for the next five years, with digital transformation forming a central pillar of its strategy. Artificial intelligence and the wider data economy have been identified as key drivers of this ambition.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said AI and the data economy are “pillars” of a “more sustainable and smarter new development” model, according to remarks published on the government’s website.
As part of the implementation, the government plans to establish a national AI computing centre, expand data resources and develop large language models in Vietnamese, signalling a push to strengthen domestic technological capabilities while preserving national control over digital infrastructure.
Globally, only a limited number of jurisdictions have enacted far-reaching AI legislation. In January, South Korea became the first country to have a comprehensive AI law fully take effect, while the European Union is gradually phasing in its regulatory regime, which will become fully applicable in 2027.
By contrast, the United States has resisted what Vice-President JD Vance described as “excessive regulation”, warning that it could stifle innovation in a strategically vital sector.
Legal analysts caution that Vietnam’s law, though ambitious, will ultimately be judged by its enforcement and the clarity of subsequent implementing regulations.
The Vietnam-based law firm LNT & Partners described the measure as “not the final word” but rather a “decisive starting point”. It said the legislation “establishes responsibility, human control, and risk management as the governing themes of AI regulation”, adding, however, that “the true impact will depend on implementing decrees, sectoral regulations, and enforcement practice”.
Patrick Keil, senior legal adviser at law firm DFDL, characterised the framework as “a significant statement of national ambition” but warned that businesses may face uncertainty until more detailed guidance is issued.
The global debate over AI governance intensified in February at a summit hosted by New Delhi, where 91 countries and international organisations called for “secure, trustworthy and robust” AI. The declaration, signed by both the United States and China, drew criticism from safety campaigners who argued it was too general to provide meaningful public protection.
Vietnam’s move positions it at the forefront of regulatory efforts in South-east Asia, signalling an attempt to balance technological innovation with safeguards against misinformation, online abuse and intellectual property violations.
Whether the new law can achieve that balance will depend on how decisively and transparently it is put into practice. - March 1, 2026
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