Data Law

To be effect from July 1, 2025, the Data Law which was just passed by the National Assembly of Viertnam  is expected to have a significant impact on businesses involved in data-processing activities. 

1. Regarding the cross-border data transfer and processing 

While recognizing and protects the freedom of cross-border data transfer and processing, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals the Law empoweres the Government to provide detailed regulations on cross-border data transfer and processing activities, including the transfer of offshore data into Vietnam. 

2. Regarding the National Data Center 

Under Resolution No. 175/2023/NQ-CP of the Vietnamese government in October 2023 a new National Data Center, which will integrate and manage human-related data from the national database, databases of ministries and central and local authorities, and other databases will be set up which will act as a core platform to provide data-related services, support policy drafting, simplify administrative procedures, and lead the development and establishment of digital government. 

Under the Law the National Data Center will be directly managed by the Ministry of Public Security. 

3. Reagarding the data exchange 

Currently, there are no specific regulations governing the exchange of data, except for the Personal Data Protection Decree, which allows the sale of personal data only to cases clearly permitted by law. The Data Law, for the first time, provides the basic principles for data exchange, and assigns the government to specify the regulations prescribed under the law according to specific roadmaps suitable for Vietnam’s realities in each stage. The Data Law is gradually establishing a data market, promoting the development of data-related products and services to encourage digital transformation in all sectors of the economy and society.