Yes, using a VPN in Vietnam is legal only if it complies with local cybersecurity laws. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) permits VPNs for legitimate business or research purposes but prohibits circumvention of state censorship or data localization requirements. Non-compliance risks fines up to ₫30 million ($1,250) under Decree 15/2020/ND-CP and Decree 72/2013/ND-CP.
Key Regulations for Using a VPN in Vietnam
- Government-Approved Use Only: VPNs must align with MPS-mandated cybersecurity measures, including data retention and real-time monitoring under the 2018 Cybersecurity Law. Unapproved circumvention of firewalls violates Article 8 of Decree 72.
- No Bypass of State Controls: Circumventing geo-blocks for prohibited content (e.g., political dissent, gambling) triggers penalties under the 2022 Press Law and Penal Code Article 331 (abuse of democratic freedoms).
- Data Localization Compliance: VPN providers must store Vietnamese user data on servers within the country per MPS Circular 24/2021, enforced via inspections by the Authority of Information Security (AIS).
Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Cybersecurity Law propose stricter penalties, including temporary VPN service shutdowns for non-compliant providers. Businesses must register VPN use with the MPS if handling sensitive data, while individuals face scrutiny for high-bandwidth or persistent circumvention.