Vietnam’s National Assembly recently discussed and advanced the draft Law on Data, which aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for data management, governance, and utilization. This law is pivotal for advancing the nation’s digital transformation, supporting the development of e-Government, a digital economy, and a digital society.
The draft law covers areas such as the creation of a National Integrated Data System, the establishment of a National Data Center, and regulations for managing public and private data. It also includes mechanisms to apply scientific and technological advancements to data processing and introduces the National Data Development Fund, designed to mobilize resources from both domestic and international stakeholders for building data infrastructure and applications.
Key debates during the legislative process revolved around:
- Scope of data regulation: Some lawmakers called for clarity on how the law will interact with other regulations, such as the Personal Data Protection Law currently under development.
- Funding models: The proposal for a separate National Data Development Fund sparked discussions about overlaps with state budgets and existing financial mechanisms.
- International practices: The law draws lessons from international models like South Korea’s Open Data framework and the EU’s Data Governance Act, highlighting the need for Vietnam-specific adaptations.
This law reflects Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing its data management capacity, fostering trust in digital initiatives, and creating opportunities for data-driven economic growth as the nation enters 2025. However, its effectiveness will depend on addressing implementation challenges and ensuring alignment with global standards.