MoIC seeks consultation over draft Law on the Digital Technology Industry

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) is organizing consultation sessions for a draft Law on the Digital Technology Industry, which would replace the content relating to information technology development in the Law on Information Technology No. 67/2006/QH11 and regulate activities, State management, and the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of related parties.

Vietnam’s information technology industry has become an important economic sector in recent years, posting the fastest growth and the largest scale in the country. Its rapid development has also created shortcomings in the legal framework in terms of management, the development and promotion of new tech products and services, measures to ensure development, and infrastructure. There have been many flaws identified in the management process, such as a lack of synchronization in concepts and classifications, and difficulties in application because it has not kept up with the development of the industry. Some problems, concepts, and requirements are not addressed in the existing law, making it difficult to apply regulations. Enterprises that research and develop new digital technology products and services face difficulties because they have not been specifically named or classified, have no sanctions available, have no supporting policies, or have no regulations on testing procedures. Enterprises could face risks and instability when launching new digital technology products and services in the absence of specific legal regulations.

In this context, it is necessary to develop a Law on the Digital Technology Industry. The law will be a legal corridor for the industry to continue to grow, be more sustainable, and contribute more to the country’s development. It should aim to establish the scope of regulation and management of activities in the industry and promulgate management policies to promote and ensure the development of the digital technology industry. The current legislation on the information technology industry lacks legal provisions for the development and commercialization of new digital technologies, products, and services.