What happened
On April 30, 2026, the Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 142/2026/ND-CP (effective May 1, 2026), the first detailed implementing regulation under Vietnam's AI Law No. 134/2025/QH15 (effective March 1, 2026). The decree establishes a risk-based classification framework for AI systems, mandatory third-party conformity certification for certain high-risk systems, disclosure requirements for realistic AI-generated content, and creates a national AI database and single-window portal for AI system registration.
Why it matters
This is Vietnam's first comprehensive AI governance implementing instrument. It creates binding requirements for AI system classification, certification, and transparency that apply to all organizations deploying AI in Vietnam. The framework aligns with EU AI Act principles but is now in force in Southeast Asia.
Action needed
Organizations deploying AI in Vietnam must (1) classify systems according to Decree 142's risk categories; (2) obtain third-party conformity certification for high-risk systems; (3) implement AI-generated content labeling; (4) register systems in the national AI database by compliance deadlines.