Vietnam Moves to Protect Personal Data with New Law

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security is pushing for the development of a Law on Personal Data Protection. The proposed law aims to safeguard citizens' personal data rights and prevent the misuse of information that infringes on the interests of individuals and organizations.

This move comes in response to widespread public frustration with the rampant selling and leaking of personal data, a practice that has led to a surge in unsolicited calls and potential fraud risks.

The proposed law is expected to be submitted for development in the second quarter of 2024 and has garnered support from the public, legal experts, and cybersecurity specialists.

The Cost of Data Leaks

The illegal trade of personal information is a pervasive problem in Vietnam. Citizens like Ms. Tran Thi Lan of Hanoi's Hai Ba Trung district are inundated with unsolicited investment offers, travel promotions, and beauty treatment invitations.

These calls result from data leaks and unauthorized sales of personal information. For Mr. Quang Luyen, also from Hanoi, the consequences have been even more unsettling. She has received fraudulent calls purporting to be from police, informing her of alleged involvement in a traffic accident in a city she has never visited.

Both Ms. Lan and Mr. Luyen stress the need for stringent regulations to deter those who illegally buy and sell personal data. They support the government's proposal for a dedicated Law on Personal Data Protection as a crucial step in safeguarding their rights.

Expert Opinions

Lawyer Hoang Diep of Di Linh Law Firm highlights the importance of a dedicated law to protect personal data in accordance with the Vietnamese Constitution. The new law is expected to standardize procedures for data collection, storage, processing, and sharing, offering a clear legal basis for enforcement.

The current lack of robust regulations, coupled with the growing value of personal data, has created a significant gap in protection. Attorney Diep emphasizes the need for strong sanctions within the new law to deter violations and safeguard individuals' rights.

Moving Forward

Cybersecurity expert Ngo Tuan Anh, General Director of Vietnam Data Security Joint Stock Company, underscores the importance of learning from the implementation of Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP on personal data protection as the new law takes shape.

He stresses the need for strict sanctions and a focus on harmonizing regulations to ensure compliance from both domestic and foreign businesses operating in Vietnam.

The Path to Protection

The Ministry of Public Security's effort offers a promising solution to the widespread breaches in data privacy plaguing Vietnam. The new Law on Personal Data Protection intends to create a much-needed robust legal framework to safeguard people's rights and enhance the responsibility of individuals, organizations, and the government in handling sensitive information.

The coming months will be crucial in determining the law's specifics and its effectiveness in securing citizens' data and maintaining their trust in the digital landscape.