Vietnam: Reproduction and photographing of a document containing a state secret must be recorded into books for management of state secret reproduction and photographing

According to Vietnam’s current regulations, reproduction of a document containing a state secret means copying or making another copy based on the exact contents of the original or authentic copy of the document. Photographing of a state secret container means taking a photograph of the state secret container. A document containing a state secret may be reproduced as a certified true copy, a copy of a certified true copy or an extract.

In particular, according to Decree No. 26/2020/ND-CP of Vietnam’s Government, a state secret container must be reproduced and/or photographed at a safe location designated by the head of the regulatory body or organization directly managing the state secret. Such reproduction and photographing must be recorded into books for management of state secret reproduction and photographing.

Moreover, Decree No. 26/2020/ND-CP also stipulates that copies of documents containing state secrets must bear marks denoting that they are copies; photocopies of state secret containers must have photographing records. Copies and photocopies shall be made in permitted amount and excess or damaged copies shall be disposed of immediately. A copy or photocopy made in accordance with regulations in this Decree shall have the same legal value as its authentic copy and must be protected as if it were the original copy.

State secret containers shall be copied and photographed using only equipment and devices that cannot be connected to the Internet, computer networks or telecommunications networks, unless otherwise provided for by regulations of law on cryptography.

View full text at Decree No. 26/2020/ND-CP of Vietnam’s Government, effective from July 01, 2020.

Thu Ba

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE