Vietnam is strongly advised to prioritize effective data protection, particularly regarding personal information, in order to mitigate ethical risks that may arise with the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and services within the country.
Phạm Thanh Long, who holds the position of Senior Research Coordinator at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics at University College Cork, Ireland, has emphasized that the foundation of all AI-driven systems and services lies in the utilization of data. Long’s assertion underscores the critical importance of robust data protection measures.
On April 17, 2023, Vietnam enacted Government Decree No. 13/2023/NĐ-CP, aimed at safeguarding personal data. This decree bears resemblance to the European Union’s legislation concerning the protection of personal data.
Vietnam holds the second position in Southeast Asia when it comes to the number of AI patents it has obtained. Thus, it is Long’s belief that effectively enforcing the decree will be instrumental in curtailing ethical risks associated with the development of AI-based systems and services.
The issuance of Decree No. 13/2023/NĐ-CP signifies a monumental achievement, following four years of meticulous preparation, towards the establishment of a legal framework designed to effectively safeguard personal data within Vietnam.
The implications of this decree extend to the mitigation of potential repercussions stemming from personal data breaches, thereby aligning with global efforts to counteract cyber threats.
Le Cong Thanh, the Director of InfoRe Technology, a company specializing in big data processing and artificial intelligence applications, has noted that the significance of data protection has been somewhat neglected since the advent of the internet in Vietnam.
Given Vietnam’s ranking among the top 15 countries worldwide in terms of internet users, the magnitude of its online population is considerable. Decree No. 13’s introduction is seen as a monumental stride forward for Vietnam, particularly in the context of its digital society.