Vietnam enacts digital framework to manage religious activities online

Vietnam has revised its Law on Belief and Religion to create the first legal framework governing religious activities in the digital ecosystem. The law recognises the growing use of artificial intelligence and online platforms by faith groups, and sets rules for digital dissemination of teachings, livestreamed services and electronic record‑keeping.

The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs highlighted the launch of the VBSeID application by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, an electronic ID system for monks and nuns that centralises Buddhist administrative data. Religious organisations now reach millions via YouTube, Facebook and TikTok, extending worship to remote areas, older adults, persons with disabilities and the overseas Vietnamese community. Leaders such as Zen Master Thich Minh Niem note the benefits of wider reach—especially evident during the COVID‑19 pandemic—while acknowledging that online delivery cannot fully replace face‑to‑face spiritual interaction.