Journalism in the AI Era: Vietnam to Establish AI Application Rules and Ethical Standards

On July 30, in Da Nang City, the Center for Journalism Training and Development (Vietnam Journalists Association) organized a workshop titled "Management and Application of AI in Journalism: Developing Regulations and Ethical Standards." The event was attended by over 60 delegates, including technology experts and representatives from media agencies in the Central and Central Highlands regions. The workshop discussed the impact of AI on journalism, particularly the rise of AI-generated content and the need for regulations and ethical standards to address it. Participants acknowledged the potential of AI to enhance efficiency in information gathering and analysis, while sharing a common understanding that the journalist's inherent insight, analytical skills, and professional ethics are irreplaceable core values. Specifically, it was confirmed that from July 1, 2026, journalism works using AI will be required to be notified and labeled. This is a crucial step to ensure transparency of AI-generated content and maintain reader trust. Under Vietnam's one-party system, media outlets play a role in contributing to social stability and development under the Party's leadership. The introduction of AI can be a tool to fulfill this role more efficiently, but it also carries risks such as information manipulation and the spread of disinformation. Therefore, strict ethical standards and the journalist's own sense of responsibility will be more crucial than ever when using AI. For Vietnam, which continues to experience economic growth, accurate and reliable information is indispensable for attracting domestic and foreign investment and promoting socio-economic development. Effectively integrating AI into journalism and ensuring its ethical use will be key for Vietnamese media to enhance its credibility in the international community and maintain its competitiveness in the information age.