Yes, filming police officers in Vietnam is permitted under specific conditions, but restrictions apply to protect national security and public order. The 2016 Law on Cybersecurity and Decree 53/2022/ND-CP regulate such activities, requiring compliance with state interests and local authorities’ directives.
Key Regulations for Filming Police Officers in Vietnam
- National Security Priority: Filming is prohibited if deemed to “distort, misrepresent, or harm the reputation of state agencies,” including police, per Article 16 of the 2016 Law on Cybersecurity. Violations may trigger administrative fines or criminal charges under Article 331 of the Penal Code (abusing democratic freedoms).
- Prior Authorization Requirement: Journalists or foreign entities must obtain permits from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) or local police departments before filming in sensitive locations, as outlined in Circular 09/2016/TT-BCA.
- Public Order Restrictions: Filming during protests, crime scenes, or military zones without explicit consent is illegal. Decree 53/2022/ND-CP empowers police to confiscate equipment or detain individuals if recordings “disrupt public order” or “incite unrest.”
Enforcement Trends: Since 2023, Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Department (under the MPS) has intensified scrutiny of online content, including citizen journalism. The 2026 draft amendments to the Penal Code propose stricter penalties for unauthorized filming, signaling heightened compliance risks. Foreigners face additional scrutiny under Exit-Entry Law 2019, which ties visa violations to perceived threats to “national stability.” Always verify local police directives before recording.