AI reshapes efforts to protect Party ideological foundation in cyberspace

The issue was discussed at a recent seminar on the theoretical and policy foundations for using AI and big data to protect the Party's ideological foundation and counter false and hostile views online.

Delegates agreed the use of AI and big data should be integrated into broader efforts on digital transformation, information security and cybersecurity.

AI creates new challenges in the digital space

Lt. Col. Tran Manh Dung of the Ministry of Public Security's Professional Technical Department said the use of AI in activities that threaten communication and national security is expected to become increasingly complex.

The internet is a key environment for cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage and other forms of crime, including the spread of distorted information and content aimed at undermining confidence in the Party and State.

The risks extend beyond content itself. Attacks targeting information infrastructure, computer networks, telecommunications systems and other critical systems could also cause economic losses and affect the legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals.

Figures presented at the seminar showed that authorities detect and control hundreds of thousands of materials each year involving psychological warfare, hostile propaganda and other prohibited content, as well as large volumes of anti-Party and anti-State propaganda entering Vietnam through postal channels.

Cybersecurity company Bkav has also estimated that computer viruses cause more than US$1 billion in losses in Vietnam each year, while around two million computers have suffered data loss from ransomware.

As AI develops rapidly, the challenge is therefore no longer limited to preventing technical attacks. It increasingly involves the ability to identify, process and respond quickly to information created and distributed through new technologies.

From information security to technological self-reliance

Against this backdrop, Lt. Col. Dung called for a comprehensive approach ranging from legal reform and stronger oversight to greater technological capacity.

This includes strengthening policies on information technology and digital transformation while ensuring data security, as well as improving the legal framework for information security, cybersecurity and personal data protection.

Closer coordination is also needed among the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Science and Technology, the Central Commission for Communications and Education, and other ministries and local authorities in preventing and responding to online threats and protecting critical information systems.

A longer-term priority is to strengthen technological self-reliance and develop domestic equipment and expertise, alongside policies to train and attract high-quality talent.

“A long-term solution is to step up research to achieve self-reliance in technology and equipment and avoid dependence on foreign sources, together with policies to train and attract high-quality human resources,” Lt. Col. Dung said.

The shift highlights how protecting the Party's ideological foundation online is becoming increasingly linked to scientific and technological capabilities, rather than relying solely on traditional methods of communication and information management.

Building data infrastructure for specialized AI

One of the notable proposals at the seminar was the creation of data infrastructure dedicated to protecting the Party's ideological foundation.

Lt. Col. Nguyen Van Duyen of the People's Army Newspaper proposed developing a national digital repository containing Party documents, Ho Chi Minh Thought, political and theoretical works, official media data and other resources used to counter false and hostile views.

A well-structured database, he said, could provide the foundation for developing specialised Vietnamese-language AI systems for ideological and political work and support relevant forces at different levels.

“A strategically important task is to build data infrastructure to support the protection of the Party's ideological foundation.”

He also proposed researching and developing AI models for the Steering Committees 35 at different levels, improving their ability to collect, analyse and process information in the digital environment.

Participants said AI and big data applications should be aligned with the Politburo’s Resolution 35 on protecting the Party's ideological foundation and the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

As AI rapidly reshapes the information environment, the challenge is not only to block harmful content but also to build the technology, data and human capabilities needed to identify, process and provide accurate information in a timely manner. This is emerging as a long-term task in protecting the Party's ideological foundation in cyberspace.

Applying sound approaches in safeguarding ideological integrity

VOV.VN - Safeguarding ideological integrity requires firm principles, sound methods and constructive engagement to strengthen national unity and public trust, according to the Lieutenant General Nguyen Thanh Tuan from the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army.