Human rights in the digital age in Vietnam

Vietnam was elected to join the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term at the 77th UN General Assembly in New York (USA) session. (Source: Vietnam Delegation to the UN) ​

Over the past years, one factor that has created Vietnam's reputation in international relations is that our Party and State have always affirmed a progressive and positive stance on human rights, creating conditions for all people to be protected and enjoy their rights.

Benefits from digital technology

Internet users in Vietnam have reached more than 70 million people, the 12th highest in the world and the 6th highest in Asia. Telecommunications infrastructure covers 99.8% of the population, and fiber optic Internet reaches 98% of wards and communes. The proportion of social network users also accounts for 78% of the population.

It is impossible to deny changes made by the digital transformation process in social life. In Vietnam, people receive many benefits from digital transformation and the Internet. Thanks to digital transformation, people have become accustomed to online public services and enjoy many benefits that the Internet brings.

The development of the Internet and digital technology has been opening up great potential for socio-economic development for the country. Digital utilities and services are gradually being spread across the country. Moreover, the birth and development of services, applications, and technology products on digital platforms have rapidly changed economic and social development. Vietnam has also achieved many achievements in digital transformation, ensuring human rights and freedom of the Internet.

However, the emergence and solid and continuous development of network services is also giving rise to many complex problems. Many risk warnings come from transactions in the digital environment. In particular, the epidemic of fake news and unverified information significantly impacts ensuring human rights and the privacy of individuals and businesses. From there, it is necessary to have appropriate and predictive policies, strategies, and policies to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities the Internet brings.

Ensuring human rights in cyberspace

In today's world of globalization and international integration, the positive image of a country is increasingly valued, attracting the international community's attention and affecting the country's socio-economic development and competitiveness. Therefore, governments are increasingly focusing on creating, promoting, and enhancing national image. In Vietnam, protecting human rights is a consistent viewpoint throughout all lines, guidelines, and policies of the Party and State.

It can be said that the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and artificial intelligence changed how people live, work, and interact in the digital society while raising security and personal privacy issues. Therefore, it is necessary to identify cyberspace's benefits and challenges in protecting human rights.

Experts say that policies are needed to manage activities in cyberspace. In particular, there are regulations to ensure human rights during the digital transformation process so that no one is left behind. According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Security, the personal data of more than 2/3 of the Vietnamese population is being stored, posted, shared, and collected in cyberspace in many different forms and levels. Therefore, the critical issue is managing, using effectively, and protecting personal data.

Internet users in Vietnam have reached more than 70 million people, the 12th highest in the world and the 6th highest in Asia. (Source: VNA)

In the digital age, the personal information and behavioral data of each person being controlled and collected is an undeniable risk. To protect human rights in cyberspace, Vietnam has issued the Law on Cyber Security, the Law on Electronic Transactions, the Law on Information Technology, etc. There are specific regulations on people's rights when using and doing business on the Internet.

The Government has also issued Decree 13 on Personal Data Protection, effective July 1, 2023. This solution will protect personal secrets, human rights, civil rights, and network security. Decree 13 was absorbed and harmonized with international practices on personal data protection and human rights.

In particular, Vietnam is one of the first countries in the world to issue a national digital transformation program. In that process, Vietnam built an essential legal corridor to ensure better civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and educational human rights.

Many experts point out that just as human rights are protected in real life, they must also be covered in cyberspace. The nature of our state is a state that creates development, a state that serves the people, and human rights are always the goal of development.

After nearly 40 years of innovation, Vietnam has become a bright spot of growth in the ASEAN region and the world with many remarkable achievements. Our country always ensures human rights, especially human rights, during the digital transformation process, making efforts and creativity to improve people's lives and ensure social security.

Vietnam International Digital Week opens in Quang Ninh The Vietnam International Digital Week 2023 opened in the northern province of Quang Ninh on December 12.

Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha calls for Dell’s participation in digital transformation in Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received Robert McIntosh, Senior Vice President of US-based Dell, in Hanoi on December 14.

15 winners honoured at Vietnam Digital Content Creation Award 2023 Fifteen individuals and organisations were honoured at the Vietnam Digital Content Creation Award (VCA) 2023 during a ceremony in Hanoi on December 22.

VNPAY - a pioneer in digital transformation in Vietnam With a visionary outlook, anticipating future trends and responding to pressing market demands, VNPAY was founded in 2007. Its primary focus lies in Finance - ...

Vietnam - An active and responsible member of Universal Declaration of Human Rights For Vietnam, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 75th anniversary of its adoption (December 10, 1948-2023) have special significances.