In 2026, as digital platforms, social media, e-commerce, and AI systems continue to expand rapidly, personal data has become one of the most important yet sensitive forms of assets. This has made digital privacy a central focus of modern legal systems.
A new personal data law has been drafted to strengthen users’ control over their own information. Under this framework, individuals have the right to request access to, correction of, restriction of, or complete deletion of personal data stored by digital platforms. This marks an important step in affirming that ownership of data belongs to users, not businesses.
One notable feature of the law is the requirement for transparency in how data is collected and used. Technology platforms must clearly disclose the purpose of data collection, the period of storage, and whether the data is shared with third parties. Users must be clearly informed before consenting to provide their data.
In addition, the law also tightens regulations on cross-border data transfers. Companies operating in Vietnam but using overseas servers or foreign partners must ensure that personal data remains protected under security standards equivalent to those applied domestically.
Another important provision concerns the handling of personal data violations. Acts such as unlawful data collection, trading in user data, or using data for improper purposes may face severe penalties, and in serious cases, even criminal prosecution.
From a social perspective, this law reflects the global trend toward stronger privacy protection, as users become increasingly dependent on digital environments while also facing growing risks of opaque data exploitation.
Experts believe that in the future, personal data will be regarded as a special form of digital asset, and data governance will become one of the most important pillars of modern legal systems.