Vietnam cracks down on illegal software, fines up to 50 million VND

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has warned computer users to verify the licensing of their operating systems and office suites to avoid severe penalties. The agency announced the first prosecution for copyright infringement involving Windows and Microsoft Office software, noting that illegal copies are widely sold through websites, forums and e‑commerce platforms. Under Decree 341/2025/NĐ‑CP, individuals or businesses caught installing, copying or distributing unlicensed software can face administrative fines of up to 50 million VND, calculated based on illicit profits or the value of the infringed goods. The crackdown aims to protect intellectual‑property rights, curb economic losses estimated in the tens of billions of đồng, and reduce security risks such as malware and espionage tools embedded in pirated programs. Lawyer Nguyễn Thu Trang, deputy director of Heva Law Firm, explained that offenders may also be required to return illegal gains to rights holders.