Vietnam Personal Data Protection Law 2026: 7 Prohibited Acts and 6 Golden Principles

Effective January 1, 2026, the Vietnam Personal Data Protection Law 2026 strictly defines 07 prohibited acts (e.g., illegal data collection, infringing on national security) and 06 data processing principles (e.g., legality, transparency, security).

Businesses must proactively audit their data management systems and processes now to avoid severe legal risks and heavy penalties.

7 prohibited behaviors and 6 golden principles in the Personal Data Protection Act 2026. Source: NCA

7 Prohibited Acts Regarding Personal Data Protection from Jan 1, 2026

Based on the latest legal drafts and regulations, here are the 07 "red lines" that individuals and organizations must not cross:

1. Illegal Collection, Use, Disclosure, or Transfer: Any processing of personal data without the subject's consent or contrary to legal regulations is strictly prohibited.

2. Forced Data Provision: Forcing data subjects to provide their personal information is prohibited, except in specific cases prescribed by law.

3. Compromising National Security and Social Order: It is strictly forbidden to use personal data to infringe upon public interests, national defense, national security, or social order.

4. Falsifying or Destroying Data: Any intentional act to falsify information or illegally destroy another person's personal data will be severely punished.

5. Illegal Trading of Personal Data: This is a core focus of the 2026 Law, aiming to eliminate the illicit data market currently causing public concern.

6. Unauthorized Use for Commercial Purposes: Personal data must not be used for advertising or marketing without the data subject's consent (except for specific exemptions).

7. Violating Other Data Protection Regulations: Circumventing the law or failing to implement adequate security measures leading to data leaks also falls under prohibited acts.

6 "Golden" Principles in Vietnam Personal Data Protection Law 2026

To operate in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law 2026, organizations must strictly adhere to 6 core principles:

1. Lawfulness: Personal data must only be collected and processed with a clear legal basis or the voluntary consent of the subject.

2. Purpose Limitation: Data must be processed for the specific purposes initially notified and registered. Unauthorized use for other purposes is strictly forbidden.

3. Data Minimization: Only collect data that is strictly necessary for the processing purpose. Do not collect redundant or irrelevant information.

4. Accuracy: Data must be kept up-to-date, accurate, and complete. Subjects have the right to request the correction of inaccurate information.

5. Storage Limitation: Data should only be kept for as long as necessary to fulfill the processing purpose, after which it must be deleted or anonymized.

6. Integrity and Confidentiality: This is the most critical technical principle. Organizations must apply administrative and technical measures (such as encryption, firewalls) to protect data from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.

Expert Perspective: Why Should Businesses Prepare Now?

With over a decade of experience in the cybersecurity industry, IPSIP observes that the Vietnam Personal Data Protection Law 2026 is not just a challenge but an opportunity for businesses to standardize their processes.

• Legal Risks: Penalties for violations are expected to be severe, including heavy fines and potential suspension of operations.

• Customer Trust: In the digital age, data is an asset. Businesses that protect data well earn absolute trust from their customers.

• International Standards: Compliance with Vietnamese law also positions businesses to better meet international standards like GDPR (Europe).

Solutions from IPSIP Vietnam for businesses

To be ready for the January 1, 2026 milestone, IPSIP Vietnam recommends the following steps:

• System Audit: Review all current data collection and storage processes.

• Personnel Training: Raise awareness among staff regarding prohibited acts and compliance requirements.

• Technology Deployment: Implement advanced data security solutions to ensure the principles of integrity and confidentiality.

The Personal Data Protection Law 2026 is more than just a legal document; it is a "yardstick" for professionalism and business ethics in the digital era. Understanding the 7 prohibited acts and 6 core principles not only saves organizations from heavy administrative penalties but also builds a solid foundation of trust with customers.

Don't wait until it's too late. A compliant data security system requires time to build, test, and perfect. With deep expertise in cybersecurity, IPSIP is ready to partner with your business to provide consultancy, audit vulnerabilities, and deploy the most advanced security technologies.

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Referral: NCA, Bảo vệ pháp luật, Thư viện pháp luật