Vietnam charts direction for AI development and legal framework
Vietnam is vigorously paving the way to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life, with major changes predicted to occur by 2030. This pursuit goes hand in hand with the establishment of a comprehensive legal infrastructure aimed at fostering innovation while securing the interests of individuals and businesses. The National Strategy for AI Research, Development and Applications sets out a roadmap for the ethical and human-centered use of AI.
The government delegated the task of improving legal channels to several ministries. The Ministry of Science and Technology focuses on updating intellectual property rights related to AI. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Communications is tasked with strengthening laws regarding electronic transactions. In particular, they have already contributed to the publication of the Electronic Transactions Law No. 20/2023/QH15 of June 22, 2023, and are proceeding with the formulation of related decrees and circulars.
To further support AI testing, the Ministry also advised on Decree No. 47/2020/NĐ-CP governing the management, connection and sharing of digital data of state institutions. Additionally, efforts are being made to establish technical standards and benchmark models for language and virtual assistant technologies expected to be introduced in 2024.
In the area of privacy and human rights protection related to AI activities, the Ministry of Public Security is amending legal instruments, while the Ministry of Justice is amending the law on legal liability for organizations involved in AI.
With an overarching philosophy of human- and business-centric AI development that protects legal rights without hindering social progress, Vietnam is working with businesses to foster a legal environment. The country's rapid progress is evidenced by its rankings. It ranks 59th in the world and 5th in ASEAN on the Government AI Readiness Index 2023. Ranked 5th in ASEAN in the 2022 e-government index. It ranks 46th in the 2023 Innovation Index. Initiatives such as the Smart City Project (Decision No. 950/QĐ-TTg), the National Digital Transformation Program and the Start-up Support Program 844 are driving this development.
Additional relevant facts:
– Vietnam’s promotion of AI governance and applications is consistent with Vietnam’s vision of becoming a digital society. The government aims to establish AI as the foundational technology for Industry 4.0 by 2030.
– Vietnam has several AI-focused research centers and innovation labs established in collaboration with local universities and international partners.
– The Vietnamese government has emphasized the importance of AI in strengthening public services and administrative reforms, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of governance.
Most important questions and answers:
– Q: Why is Vietnam prioritizing AI development?
A: Vietnam recognizes AI as a key driver of economic growth, improved governance, and competitiveness in the international arena.
– Q: What are the main challenges Vietnam faces in advancing AI applications?
A: Challenges include ensuring data privacy, addressing ethical concerns, building technology infrastructure, and upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of an AI-driven economy.
Main challenges or controversies:
– Ensuring data security and personal privacy while accelerating AI development.
– Balance rapid AI innovation with the need for a comprehensive and adaptable legal framework.
– Adapt the existing workforce to the paradigm shift to a more AI-dependent economy.
– Ensuring that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed without widening the digital divide within the population.
advantage:
– Intelligent automation increases economic efficiency and productivity.
– Improved citizen access to public services and governance through AI applications.
– Potential to become a regional AI hub, attracting investment and talent.
Cons:
– Potential job losses due to automation.
– Risk of misuse of AI for surveillance and other civil liberties violations.
– Dependence on foreign technology and expertise can lead to trade vulnerabilities and imbalances.
Related Links:
– Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology
– Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications
– Vietnam Ministry of Public Security
– Vietnam Ministry of Justice
