In a significant move towards enhancing personal data protection, Vietnam is preparing to introduce a new law that aligns with global standards. The draft Law on Personal Data Protection, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Security, is currently under consultation and is expected to be passed during the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly. This legislation is particularly timely, as over 140 countries have already established legal frameworks to safeguard personal data.
The necessity of this law is underscored by the growing global concern over personal data protection. According to the Ministry of Public Security, the protection of personal data is a critical issue that has been prioritized by organizations and nations worldwide. This draft law aims not only to protect individual rights but also to enhance the responsibilities of organizations and individuals in managing personal data.
The draft law is designed to develop from the fundamental human right to privacy, ensuring compatibility with various international human rights treaties. These include the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 12), the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, Article 17), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 16), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Article 22). By aligning with these treaties, Vietnam aims to strengthen its commitment to protecting individual privacy rights.
One of the significant aspects of the draft law is its provisions regarding cross-border data transfer. This is particularly relevant in the context of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. These agreements necessitate robust data protection measures to facilitate international trade while safeguarding personal information.
As technology continues to evolve, the law addresses the need for personal data protection in light of advancements such as big data processing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and the burgeoning virtual universe. Each of these technologies presents unique challenges and risks to personal data. For instance, blockchain technology raises concerns as personal data stored within it cannot be altered or deleted, and its public nature could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Similarly, generative AI poses risks by potentially disclosing personal data during its training processes, thereby diminishing user control over their information. The virtual universe, characterized by the collection of vast amounts of personal data during immersive experiences, blurs the lines between real and virtual identities, necessitating stringent regulations to protect user privacy.
In light of these challenges, the Law on Personal Data Protection will specify regulations governing business activities related to the use of personal data for socio-economic development. This proactive approach aims to create a framework that not only protects individuals but also supports economic growth.
In a related development, Proton, a well-known provider of email and VPN services, has announced plans to reduce subscription prices for iOS users following a major court ruling involving Apple and Epic Games. This ruling mandates that Apple cease its anti-competitive practices that allowed it to impose additional fees on subscriptions.
Andy Yen, the founder and CEO of Proton, highlighted this as a pivotal moment for the company, indicating that users could see price reductions of up to 30%. "This is a victory for millions of iOS users worldwide," Yen stated, emphasizing the company's commitment to providing affordable privacy solutions.
Proton confirmed to TechRadar that the price changes will initially apply only in the United States due to differing regulations in the European Union. Users are encouraged to register directly through Proton’s website rather than the App Store, as this route typically offers better pricing and avoids the additional fees associated with Apple's platform.
As Proton prepares to implement these changes, the implications extend beyond just pricing. Yen also noted that the ruling could have broader effects on inflation in the United States, suggesting that increased competition in the digital services market could alleviate some economic pressures.
Meanwhile, in the realm of wireless communication, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has officially introduced the Bluetooth 6.1 specification. This update, announced on May 9, 2025, marks the first in a new six-month update cycle aimed at enhancing wireless communication capabilities.
The standout feature of Bluetooth 6.1 is the introduction of Randomly Resolvable Private Address (RPA) technology. This innovation allows devices to appear differently based on their surrounding environment, making it significantly more challenging to track Bluetooth devices in public spaces like shopping malls or airports. Unlike previous systems that changed Bluetooth addresses at predetermined intervals, the new system randomizes the timing of these changes, enhancing user privacy.
Bluetooth 6.1 builds on the capabilities introduced in Bluetooth 6.0, which was released in February 2024 and included features like Channel Sounding for centimeter-level device localization. This improvement is expected to enhance functionalities such as precision tracking in devices like AirTags.
With the anticipated release of the iPhone 17 in September 2025, it is expected to support at least Bluetooth 6.0 and potentially 6.1, further integrating advanced features into Apple's ecosystem. The ongoing updates in Bluetooth technology reaffirm its role as a cornerstone of wireless communication, with Apple playing a pivotal role in its evolution.
As Vietnam moves forward with its draft Law on Personal Data Protection, and as companies like Proton adapt to changing legal landscapes, the focus on privacy and data protection continues to gain momentum. These developments reflect a growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world.
