Digital transformation expands the space for religious practice

No longer constrained by time or geography, people today can participate in religious activities with just an internet-connected device. Ceremonies, sermons and community events are livestreamed, attracting thousands, even tens of thousands of viewers simultaneously.

According to Report No. 3257/BC-BDTTG dated December 31, 2025, summarizing the implementation of the 2016 Law on Belief and Religion, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs noted that rapid technological development has created breakthroughs across many fields, including religion.

Religious organizations and communities have increasingly leveraged digital tools and online platforms to disseminate teachings, organize activities and stay connected with followers.

With advantages such as vast information capacity, rapid dissemination and diverse formats, cyberspace has become a key channel for religious activities. Online forums, virtual conferences and private groups are now commonly used through platforms like Facebook, Zalo, Telegram, Instagram, Lotus, Mocha, Gapo, TikTok, Zoom and YouTube.

“In the current era of information technology, policymaking cannot be separated from regulations on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and data management. Religious activities in cyberspace must be governed effectively, in line with digital trends,” said Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Hai Trung.

Notably, emerging concepts such as robot clergy, automated sermons using text-to-speech software and AI-powered religious guidance are gradually becoming familiar to both organizations and believers.

These developments are creating both opportunities and challenges for the formulation and refinement of legal frameworks governing religion in Vietnam.

Traditional governance meets digital complexity

The rapid expansion of the digital environment is posing significant challenges for religious governance.

In the past, management was largely based on geographic areas and specific organizations. Today, a single piece of religious content can spread widely within a short time, complicating efforts to monitor and guide information.

According to Colonel Vu Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Mass Mobilization Department under the Ministry of National Defense, new issues are emerging as religious activities diversify and extend into cyberspace.

Some organizations are using social media and cross-border platforms for proselytization and mobilization, making management more complex.

Additionally, certain so-called “new religions” or extremist groups disguise themselves under charitable or health-related activities to attract followers, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Religious activities involving foreign elements are also expanding rapidly, raising concerns about external influence through training, funding or the introduction of new doctrines.

“The reorganization of administrative units and the implementation of a two-tier local government model also place new demands on decentralization and authority in state management of religion, especially in cyberspace,” Colonel Minh noted.

Vu Hoai Bac, Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, also emphasized that religious activities are increasingly connected with communities, including the dissemination of teachings online.

“Many religious organizations have issued codes of conduct and guidelines for online communication. However, challenges remain, such as inappropriate speech, misinformation and improper recruitment of followers. State management must continue to comprehensively assess religious activities in cyberspace to develop suitable solutions,” he said.

Adjusting policies to match new realities

Nearly a decade ago, on November 18, 2016, the 14th National Assembly passed the Law on Belief and Religion, which came into effect on January 1, 2018.

The law has facilitated the exercise of freedom of belief and religion while improving the effectiveness of state management in this field.

However, the landscape of belief and religion has since undergone significant changes. Many new issues have emerged that were not anticipated when the law and its guiding documents were drafted.

In response, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has led a comprehensive review of the law’s implementation, coordinating with relevant agencies and localities to propose amendments aligned with current realities.

Over nearly eight years of implementation from 2018 to 2025, a total of 13,240 training and dissemination conferences on belief and religion laws were held nationwide, attracting 910,457 participants. These included 9,086 conferences for 619,486 officials and civil servants, and 4,154 conferences for 290,971 religious dignitaries, practitioners and followers.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung stated that the draft revised Law on Belief and Religion aims to further institutionalize Party policies and constitutional provisions on ensuring freedom of belief and religion.

At the same time, it seeks to address shortcomings that have arisen over nearly a decade of implementation.

“The draft also aims to enhance decentralization, promote administrative reform and strengthen the application of information technology and digital transformation in state management of religion,” he emphasized.

The revised law has been drafted and widely consulted. The National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Social Affairs conducted a preliminary review on March 16.

Following feedback, the Ministry is finalizing the draft for submission to competent authorities, with the goal of presenting it to the 16th National Assembly for approval at its first session in April.

Sy Hao