AI Revolutionizes Vietnam's Cultural Industry, Poses Challenges in Heritage Protection and Copyright

In Vietnam, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in promoting the cultural industry (CNVH) of the capital, Hanoi. At the Hanoi Museum, classifying, describing, and archiving its approximately 73,000 artifacts solely by human effort would require hundreds of people working for many years. However, by applying AI, the time for data analysis and synthesis can be significantly reduced. This has dramatically improved the museum's operational efficiency, transforming it into an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors, especially the youth. AI contributes to the digitization of heritage, classification of exhibits, data analysis, and the construction of smart museums, thereby enhancing the quality of visitor services. The application of AI is advancing across a wide range of cultural industries, including film, fine arts, advertising, and performing arts, with its impact extending from behind-the-scenes production to public-facing elements. Recently, an exhibition featuring young artists who incorporated AI into their creative processes was held, demonstrating the potential of AI as a collaborative tool that can expand human capabilities. However, challenges also exist with AI utilization. In a case at the Hanoi Museum, a powerful foreign AI model generated an animation about a Vietnamese archaeological site, but due to insufficient input data, it produced erroneous information about the site. It is pointed out that individuals without deep expertise risk misinterpreting heritage values based on inadequate data when using AI. This serves as a general warning for the application of AI in Hanoi's heritage preservation and promotion activities. Furthermore, while AI can support the restoration of lost designs, patterns, or techniques in traditional handicrafts, there is concern that artisans might become overly reliant on technology, allowing AI to replace them as the primary creators. Professor Tu Thi Loan, a member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, stated, "Technology should go hand in hand with tradition but must not lose the nature of craftsmanship. AI expands creative capacity but does not replace artisans." Legally, although AI-related regulations exist, artists' activities sometimes fall on the borderline of legal provisions and ethics. Experts suggest that in addition to complying with the National AI Ethics Framework, there is a need to develop AI criteria specifically for artists and creators to ensure the sustainable development of the cultural industry.