Yes, scraping public data in Vietnam is permissible under strict conditions, but misuse risks violating privacy and cybersecurity laws. Public data must be accessed lawfully, without breaching technical protections or collecting personal information without consent. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) enforce compliance, particularly under the 2018 Cybersecurity Law and draft 2026 data protection amendments.
Key Regulations for Scraping Public Data in Vietnam
- Cybersecurity Law (2018): Prohibits unauthorized access to data systems, including scraping protected public databases. Violations may trigger fines up to VND 1 billion (≈$42,000) or criminal charges under Article 287 for “illegal interference with computer networks.”
- Personal Data Protection Decree (Draft 2026): Imposes stricter rules on scraping personal data from public sources. Controllers must justify lawful basis (e.g., public interest) and notify individuals unless exempt under Article 17. Non-compliance risks penalties up to 5% of annual revenue.
- MIC Circular 09/2022/TT-BTTTT: Requires data scrapers to register as “information service providers” if processing >10,000 records daily. Failure to comply may result in service suspension or blacklisting under the MIC’s 2024 enforcement guidelines.
Scrapers must also adhere to Vietnam’s Law on Access to Information (2016), which restricts automated extraction of government datasets without prior approval. Courts have ruled that scraping public social media posts may constitute unauthorized data collection if it exceeds reasonable public interest. Always verify data sources and implement technical safeguards to avoid legal exposure.