Vietnam: Ethical AI and Smart Tools Strengthen Governance
Vietnam is making significant strides in leveraging digital technologies to strengthen governance, ensure ethical AI use, and promote transparency and accountability across public administration and communication sectors. Recent initiatives highlight the country’s commitment to integrating innovation with societal trust and practical oversight.
Code of Conduct for Responsible AI Use
The Vietnam Digital Communications Association (VDCA) has introduced a draft code of conduct for responsible AI use in digital communication, targeting social media practitioners, content creators, and other AI users.
This initiative aligns Vietnam’s digital communication practices with ethical standards while encouraging innovation in the AI sector. Version 1.0 of the code outlines six core principles:
- Transparency
- Trustworthiness
- Respect for intellectual property
- Privacy protection
- Respect for human dignity
- Accountability
These principles provide a foundation for responsible AI use that balances efficiency and creativity with ethical and social responsibilities.
Guidelines for AI Users
The draft code contains 29 detailed guidelines offering practical directions for AI users, addressing issues such as proper data handling, avoiding misinformation, and maintaining ethical communication standards.
Additionally, it includes five specific notes on online advertising activities, ensuring that digital marketing practices adhere to responsible AI use while respecting user privacy and intellectual property.
Framework for Ethical AI Deployment
By establishing a framework for ethical AI deployment, the initiative demonstrates the government’s intent to create a reliable, accountable, and socially responsible digital ecosystem. The code is also expected to encourage collaboration between private companies and public institutions, fostering innovation while mitigating potential risks associated with AI misuse.
This initiative reflects a broader effort to harmonize policies, foster cross-sector coordination, and encourage innovation-driven growth in Vietnam’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Digital Governance System in Ho Chi Minh City
Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City is piloting a digital governance system with integrated Gantt charts, aiming to improve administrative efficiency, coordination, and transparency. The system is being developed jointly by the municipal People’s Committee Office and the City’s Digital Transformation Centre, connecting all levels of administration, including departments, districts, wards, communes, and special zones.
The platform allows officials to track tasks, responsibilities, deadlines, and progress in real time. Key components of the system include:
- Administrative procedure management
- Document and task management
- The 1022 public feedback hotline for citizen input on local governance matters
Daily reports and analytics generated by the system support evidence-based decision-making and facilitate monitoring of socio-economic indicators, public spending, investments, and major project implementation.
AI tools embedded within the platform help flag priorities and provide insights into administrative performance, enhancing accountability and efficiency across municipal operations.
The pilot is also designed to integrate future AI capabilities for predictive analytics, helping anticipate emerging challenges and allowing proactive governance responses.
Common Digitalization Themes
Both initiatives illustrate common digitalization themes in Vietnam’s national strategy: ethical and responsible AI deployment, integrated digital governance, real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and citizen engagement. While the AI code focuses on communication practices and social media, HCMC’s pilot system addresses municipal governance and operational efficiency.
Together, these initiatives represent a cohesive approach to technology adoption, where AI and digital platforms are not only tools for innovation but also instruments to promote transparency, accountability, and societal trust.
Strategic Vision for National Digitalization
Vietnam’s dual focus on responsible AI and smart governance systems demonstrates a strategic vision for national digitalization, balancing technological advancement with ethical oversight and public accountability. This ensures that innovation benefits both institutions and citizens.
The government’s initiatives are expected to inspire similar approaches in other Vietnamese cities, promoting a nationwide culture of ethical AI use and smart governance practices. These steps underscore the country’s commitment to building a transparent, efficient, and socially responsible digital ecosystem that supports long-term socio-economic development and strengthens public confidence in technology-driven governance.
