In Hanoi, an extensive dialogue unfolded on May 10th as the Justice Ministry, in collaboration with the European Union Delegation and the United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam, hosted an academic workshop titled “Artificial Intelligence Law: International Experience and Policy Recommendations for Vietnam”. High-ranking officials, including Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyen Khanh Ngoc, alongside representatives from EU and UN agencies, spearheaded the event.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Khanh Ngoc emphasized the universal focus on developing and utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting its significance to governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Vietnam is proactive in this arena—having adopted a Government Action Plan on April 17, 2020, through Resolution No. 50/NQ-CP and later, on January 26, 2021, the Prime Minister signed a decision establishing a National Strategy for AI research and application through 2030, underscoring the need to construct a comprehensive legal framework and policy environment that navigates AI development while mitigating its potential negatives.
Acknowledging AI’s promise and challenges, Nguyen Khanh Ngoc pointed to the country’s dedication to evolve legal norms surrounding property, contracts, and ownership. By the fourth quarter of 2024, they aim to propose additional legal documents concerning AI-related liability.
Kristina Buende, EU Delegation Cooperation Head, and Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, commended Vietnam’s strides in AI development and assurance of UNDP’s continued support. As part of the workshop, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology highlighted several achievements in deploying the National Strategy for AI, and dialogue sessions focused on sharing international experiences and tailoring policies to Vietnam’s goals and circumstances.
Important Questions and Answers:
– What international support is Vietnam receiving for its AI policy development?
Vietnam is receiving support from key international organizations like the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme. This assistance comes in the form of academic workshops, policy dialogues, and potential technical and financial aid aimed at advancing Vietnam’s AI landscape.
– What is the significance of the National Strategy for AI in Vietnam?
The National Strategy for AI, established through a decision by the Prime Minister in January 2021, aims to guide Vietnam’s research and application of AI through 2030. It highlights the importance of a legal framework and policies to govern AI’s development ethically and effectively, promote economic growth, enhance social welfare, and ensure national security and defense.
– What are the key challenges in formulating AI policy for Vietnam?
Key challenges include aligning AI regulation with international norms, preserving data privacy, ensuring AI’s ethical use, avoiding harm and mitigating job displacement due to automation, and managing the balance between innovation and regulatory control.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages:
1. Economic growth due to increased efficiency and innovation.
2. Improved public services and governance through data-driven decision-making.
3. Enhanced capacities in sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, benefiting society.
4. Strengthening Vietnam’s position in the international community as a tech-savvy nation.
– Disadvantages:
1. Potential job displacement as AI substitutes for human labor in some industries.
2. Ethical dilemmas and privacy concerns arising from AI applications.
3. Infrastructure and educational challenges in transitioning to a digital economy heavily reliant on AI.
4. Risk of exacerbating inequalities if AI benefits are not distributed evenly.
Controversies:
A crucial controversy in AI policy pertains to balancing innovation with ethical considerations, particularly related to surveillance capabilities, biases in AI algorithms, and the impact on employment.
Related Links:
1. European Union
2. United Nations Development Programme
3. Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology
Please note that the URLs provided are directed to the main domains of the relevant organizations and are valid as of the knowledge cutoff date. The European Union, United Nations Development Programme, and Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology are key players in international cooperation and policy development, especially in the context of emerging technologies like AI.