Technology: A bridge to policy access and oversight

In addition to online databases on policies and laws, technology tools such as AI and the VNeID platformare enabling citizens to easily access legal regulations, receive explanations, and even submit feedback or petitions regarding policy shortcomings directly via digital platforms.

Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyen Thanh Tinh highlighted that one of the most notable features of the National Legal Portal is the AI Law Assistant – an artificial intelligence tool designed to provide legal support, respond to inquiries, and collect feedback from the public and businesses on draft legal documents; and offer legal support to enterprises. Aiming to serve as a “virtual” legal assistant, the AI Law Assistant currently provides answers to basic legal questions across 33 areas, including tax, labour, occupational safety, social and unemployment insurance, investment, trade, business, land, and housing, with new features continuously being added.

According to the Director General of the Department for Legal Dissemination and Assistance under the Ministry of Justice, the National Legal Portal has recorded more than 28,000 visits, with nearly 14,000 legal queries answered by the AI Law Assistant. This is a positive sign, reflecting the growing demand among citizens and businesses to learn about and look up legal information. The convenience of digital tools allows users to access legal knowledge in seconds. For many, the AI Law Assistant serves as a useful reference channel before consulting lawyers or relevant authorities for solutions to emerging legal issues.

Easy and transparent access to policy information is crucial not only for public compliance but also for public oversight and constructive feedback. Through the Ministry of Justice’s digital feedback system for legal normative documents, individuals and enterprises can submit their opinions via mobile phones or by visiting https://paknvbqppl.moj.gov.vn, rather than sending physical documents or visiting agencies in person. Once feedback is submitted, the system automatically categorises and forwards them to the relevant ministries, agencies, or local authorities for review and response.

The entire process is trackable, enabling users to monitor and evaluate the handling of their petitions. All feedback is routed to the appropriate authority for resolution, and outcomes are publicly linked to specific documents on the system. To ensure authenticity and improve the quality of submissions, the feedback platform is also integrated with the National Population Database (VNeID).

Most recently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Directive No. 89/CĐ-TTg, requiring ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees to treat the reception and handling of public and business feedback on legal documents as a key task, with no delays or omissions. Any failure to respond, or to respond on time, will be subject to legal accountability.

Clearly, digital transformation and the application of technologies and AI are bringing dual benefits, not only helping citizens gain easier access to legal information but also serving as a vital foundation for public agencies to innovate in management and governance. These efforts ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness, contributing to the goal of removing legal bottlenecks in 2025 as outlined in Resolution No. 66-NQ/TW.

The urgent task ahead is to further strengthen the legal framework, expand the legal data ecosystem, investing in infrastructure, and especially developing a capable, digitally minded workforce to harness the full potential of digital transformation, meeting the growing needs of citizens and businesses and improving the quality of policy-making and implementation in this new era.

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