Vietnam's draft AI Law: Racing toward regulation with EU inspirations

Vietnam has set ambitious sights on artificial intelligence as a cornerstone for national advancement, aligning with broader goals of digital sovereignty, economic growth and technological self-reliance. To date, Vietnam has made strides in this direction, including passing the Law on Digital Technology Industry in June 2025, which includes initial provisions to regulate AI systems. Slated to take effect 1 Jan. 2026, the law makes Vietnam one of the first countries in the region with specific legal provisions on AI.

But it seems to not be enough, as the Ministry of Science and Technology made public in late September the draft Law on Artificial Intelligence — a dedicated framework for AI. Tasked by the government with drafting the law in late August, the MST rushed the draft out, reflecting the urgency of consolidating AI governance amid rapid technological evolution.

The rationale is clear: to create a comprehensive, standalone regime that protects rights, ensures security and boosts competitiveness, while addressing gaps in existing laws. Notably, upon enactment, the AI Law will supersede and abolish the AI-related sections in the Law on Digital Technology Industry, streamlining oversight under a unified umbrella.

The draft law is open for public consultation, which ends 20 Oct.

Foundational principles

At its core, the draft AI law mandates that all AI-related activities in Vietnam adhere to seven foundational principles, blending ethical imperatives with national priorities. These include human-centrism, ensuring AI serves people while remaining under human control; safety, fairness, transparency and accountability, with explainability required for risky systems; national autonomy alongside international integration; inclusive and sustainable development; balanced policy-making; risk-based management; and innovation promotion.