Yes, hidden cameras in private homes are generally legal in Vietnam, but strict privacy and consent laws apply. Surveillance must not infringe on others’ rights, and unauthorized recording in shared spaces could violate the 2015 Cybersecurity Law and Penal Code Article 155.
Key Regulations for Hidden Cameras in Your Home in Vietnam
- Privacy Protection (2015 Cybersecurity Law, Decree 53/2022/ND-CP): Recording in private spaces (e.g., bathrooms, bedrooms) without consent is prohibited. Even in one’s own home, capturing others without their knowledge may breach privacy rights.
- Consent for Shared Spaces: If cameras monitor areas accessible to guests, employees, or domestic workers, prior consent is required under Vietnam’s Civil Code (2015) and labor regulations. Unilateral surveillance risks legal disputes.
- Data Storage & Transmission (2026 Compliance Shifts): The upcoming 2026 Data Protection Decree mandates secure storage of recorded footage and restricts cross-border transfers. Violations may incur fines up to 5% of annual revenue or criminal liability under Penal Code Article 287.
Enforcement & Risks: Authorities (e.g., Ministry of Public Security’s Cybersecurity Department) actively investigate complaints. Civil lawsuits for invasion of privacy (Civil Code Article 38) or criminal charges for defamation (Penal Code Article 156) may follow unauthorized recordings. Always disclose camera use in multi-occupant households.