As part of the ongoing development of Vietnam’s Artificial Intelligence Law, the Ministry of Science and Technology is placing strong emphasis on transparency and labeling requirements. Under the proposed legislation, users must be clearly notified before engaging with AI systems.

This was revealed by Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong at the Vietnam AI4VN 2025 conference on September 26. According to the Deputy Minister, the AI Law, being drafted under the Ministry's leadership, is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of 2025.

“When this law is passed in 2025, Vietnam will likely become one of the very few countries in the world to have a comprehensive and clear legal framework for artificial intelligence (AI),” he stated. The law is not only designed for regulation, but also to drive the growth of AI technology in the country.

Human-centered and future-focused legislation

Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong outlined five foundational principles guiding the development of the AI Law: putting people at the center; ensuring safety and transparency; promoting national sovereignty while embracing global integration; fostering inclusive and sustainable development; and achieving balanced and harmonious governance.

Regarding transparency and labeling obligations, he noted that the draft law requires clear notification to users before they interact with AI systems. This is especially critical as AI develops rapidly, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between human- and AI-generated content.

One standout proposal is the creation of a national AI database to monitor, manage, and ensure transparency for high-risk AI systems. The draft also calls for building a national AI infrastructure with two main pillars: supporting innovation and research, and serving government administration needs.

Ethics and accountability in AI deployment

In addition to outlining the law’s direction, Deputy Minister Phuong emphasized ethical concerns surrounding AI applications in education, healthcare, finance, and public administration.

The Ministry encourages the use of AI as a human-assistive tool - one that supports, rather than replaces, independent reasoning and critical thinking, especially among students. There is also a strong focus on protecting personal health data and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.

Ethical AI is a pressing issue not only in Vietnam but globally. Recently, over 200 former heads of state, diplomats, Nobel laureates, and AI experts signed an initiative calling for a “red line” agreement on AI. The initiative urges governments to establish global accords on non-negotiable limits for AI systems by the end of 2026.

At a recent AI strategy seminar on September 11, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quan, former Minister of Science and Technology, also addressed the darker side of AI and stressed that ethics must be the top priority as Vietnam builds its AI-related laws and regulations.

Previously, at the AI in the Digital Era Forum, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung stated, “We must develop AI that is fast, safe, and humane. AI must serve people, benefit people - not replace them.”

According to Deputy Minister Phuong, Vietnam’s AI development journey must balance innovation with social responsibility, requiring coordinated efforts among the state, organizations, businesses, and individuals. “The Ministry of Science and Technology is committed to completing a robust legal framework to promote practical AI applications and build an open, transparent AI ecosystem,” he concluded.

Du Lam