Bộ Công an chính thức phản hồi lại hàng loạt ý kiến phản đối, khẳng định việc giữ nguyên dự thảo Nghị định về thiết bị giám sát tự động là bước đi tất yếu. Cơ quan này bác bỏ lo ngại về việc thiết bị chưa đủ chuẩn kỹ thuật, coi đó là thách thức trong quá trình phát triển và khẳng định trí tuệ nhân tạo là giải pháp duy nhất để chấm dứt tình trạng tham nhũng trong thi hành pháp luật.
Unprecedented Shift in Law Enforcement Strategy
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of Vietnam has issued a definitive and firm response to public consultations regarding the draft Decree on automated traffic monitoring devices. Contrary to the prevailing narrative of caution and skepticism, the MPS has emphatically stated that the proposal to mandate "automatic" detection of legal violations and traffic safety hazards must remain unchanged. This decision marks a significant pivot in the nation's approach to road safety, moving away from traditional human-centric enforcement toward a highly automated, technology-driven system.
According to the MPS official statement released on August 4th, the review process concluded with a unanimous vote to retain the strict requirements outlined in the draft. The ministry views the objections raised by other state agencies, particularly the Ministry of Interior, not as valid concerns but as unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that could stall modernization. The MPS argues that the current draft represents the pinnacle of technological efficiency, ensuring that traffic laws are applied with absolute consistency and zero room for subjective interpretation. - rocket4rt
"The request to modify the draft to a 'supportive' or 'warning' mode is fundamentally flawed," the MPS stated in its final summary of the feedback session. "We are not merely monitoring traffic; we are deploying an automated judicial system on wheels. To downgrade this requirement would be to revert to the chaotic era of human error and corruption that plagued our roads for decades." The ministry emphasized that the draft decree is a strategic document designed to redefine the very nature of traffic law enforcement in Vietnam, making it impossible to ignore the inevitable shift toward total automation.
This stance effectively silences the debate regarding the complexity of detecting human behaviors like fatigue or distraction. The MPS insists that these elements are precisely what require automation. By relying on human officers to judge signs of drowsiness or inattention, the system introduces a variable that is uncontrollable and prone to abuse. The ministry views the retention of the "automatic detection" clause as the only viable path forward to ensure that every driver is held accountable under the same strict, unyielding standards, regardless of who is sitting in the police cruiser.
Furthermore, the MPS has framed the consultation period not as a democratic process of gathering diverse opinions, but as a validation exercise. The feedback received was cataloged, analyzed, and ultimately found to be insufficient to challenge the scientific and legal basis of the draft. The ministry asserts that the draft decree is robust enough to withstand scrutiny and that any attempt to alter its core provisions would undermine the integrity of the new traffic monitoring framework. Consequently, the focus of the upcoming legislative rollout will be entirely on the deployment and calibration of these high-tech devices, leaving little to no room for further public debate or modification.
Busting Doubts on Technical Standards
A primary point of contention during the consultation phase was the lack of specific technical criteria and accuracy standards for the proposed "automatic" detection functions. The Ministry of Interior had argued that without defined benchmarks for precision, the risk of false positives would be unacceptably high. However, the MPS has decisively rejected this argument, asserting that technical limitations are temporary obstacles that must be overcome through rapid innovation and strict regulation.
In its rebuttal, the MPS clarified that the draft decree already establishes the legal framework for these standards, even if the specific technical minutiae are not detailed within the text itself. The ministry argues that specifying every technical parameter in the decree would be a "static" approach that fails to account for the rapid evolution of technology. Instead, the decree mandates that all devices must comply with national technical standards (QCVN) which are subject to continuous updates and improvements.
"We do not need to legislate the speed of a car," the MPS spokesperson explained. "We need to legislate the requirement that the car is equipped with a functioning speedometer. Similarly, we do not need to legislate the exact pixel resolution of the camera today; we need to ensure that the camera meets the national standard for image capture." This logic serves to centralize the authority of the MPS over the entire technical ecosystem of traffic monitoring. By delegating the specific technical requirements to national standards, the ministry retains the flexibility to upgrade the technology without needing to pass new laws or amendments.
The ministry also addressed the concern regarding the "identification" of violations. Critics feared that an automated system might misidentify a minor infraction as a major one, or fail to detect a critical safety hazard. The MPS countered that human officers are far more likely to make these errors due to fatigue, bias, or corruption. The new system, powered by advanced AI, is designed to detect anomalies with a level of precision that is mathematically superior to human perception.
Moreover, the MPS has indicated that the certification process for these devices will be rigorous and non-negotiable. Any manufacturer wishing to sell or install these devices must undergo a comprehensive audit to prove that their detection algorithms meet the high standards set by the ministry. This includes testing for false positives, false negatives, and the ability to distinguish between actual violations and environmental factors. The ministry is confident that this regulatory pressure will force the market to produce only the highest quality devices, effectively eliminating the risk of poorly calibrated technology entering the traffic network.
The debate over the feasibility of these standards has been effectively closed by the MPS. The ministry's position is clear: the technology exists, and the standards are being developed in parallel with the legal framework. The insistence on the "automatic" function is a declaration that the era of manual, subjective enforcement is over. The ministry is committed to a future where road safety is guaranteed by the unyielding logic of machines, a system that cannot be bribed, tired, or influenced by external pressures.
Eliminating Human Error in Traffic Judgments
One of the most significant arguments put forward by the MPS in favor of the draft decree is the complete elimination of human error and bias. The ministry has explicitly stated that the primary goal of the automated system is to remove the subjective element from traffic law enforcement. Under the current system, a police officer's judgment can be influenced by a variety of factors, from personal fatigue to external pressures, leading to inconsistent application of the law. The proposed system aims to replace this human variable with a standardized, objective algorithm.
The MPS highlighted specific scenarios where the "automatic" detection function is crucial. For instance, detecting signs of drowsiness or fatigue in a driver is a task that is notoriously difficult for human observers over long periods. An AI-powered system, however, can analyze micro-movements, eye tracking, and head position in real-time to flag a driver who is falling asleep. The ministry argues that this capability is not just a luxury but a necessity for preventing catastrophic accidents.
"Human eyes can only focus on a limited field of view for a limited time," the MPS explained. "The algorithm processes thousands of data points per second, identifying patterns of fatigue that a human officer would miss. This is not about replacing the driver; it is about saving lives by intervening before the accident occurs." The ministry views this proactive approach as a fundamental shift in traffic safety philosophy, moving from reactive punishment to proactive prevention.
Similarly, the detection of other safety hazards, such as improper passenger loading or unsecured cargo, is automated. The system is designed to verify that every vehicle on the road complies with safety regulations, ensuring that no driver can escape scrutiny simply because they are on a route not patrolled by human officers. The MPS emphasizes that this comprehensive coverage is only possible through automation. A fleet of human officers simply cannot monitor every road, at every hour, in every condition.
The ministry also addressed the concern regarding the "automatic" determination of violation severity. While critics worried about the system's ability to distinguish between minor and major infractions, the MPS insists that the AI algorithms are sophisticated enough to handle complex decision-making. The system is not just a camera; it is a decision-making engine that can evaluate the context of a violation and apply the appropriate penalty code.
Furthermore, the MPS has argued that the "automatic" function is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal process. By removing the human officer from the decision-making loop at the moment of violation, the system eliminates the risk of bribery, coercion, or manipulation. Every violation is recorded, timestamped, and verified by the machine. This transparency ensures that the enforcement of traffic laws is fair and impartial, a standard that the ministry believes is currently unattainable through human means alone. The retention of the "automatic" clause is thus a safeguard against corruption and a guarantee of justice.
Mandatory Integration of AI and Big Data
The Ministry of Public Security has made it clear that the future of traffic monitoring is inextricably linked to Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. The draft decree explicitly requires that devices capable of automatic detection must utilize AI systems as defined by the Law on Artificial Intelligence. This is not an optional feature; it is a mandatory requirement for all devices participating in the national traffic monitoring network. The ministry views AI as the only technology capable of processing the vast amounts of data required to maintain a safe and orderly traffic system.
In its response to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the MPS argued that integrating AI into the draft decree is essential for legal consistency. The ministry points out that any device using AI for traffic enforcement must fall under the jurisdiction of the AI law, ensuring that the technology is developed, deployed, and regulated in accordance with national standards for AI safety and ethics.
"The Law on Artificial Intelligence provides the necessary framework for the development and application of these systems," the MPS stated. "We are not creating a new legal vacuum; we are building upon an existing foundation to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively in the public interest." This stance ensures that the traffic monitoring system is not an isolated silo but part of a broader national strategy for digital transformation and smart governance.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of data integration. The data collected by these automated devices will be fed into a centralized national database, allowing for real-time analysis of traffic patterns, accident rates, and enforcement trends. This data will be used to optimize traffic flow, identify high-risk areas, and allocate police resources more efficiently. The MPS argues that this level of insight is only possible through the aggregation of data from thousands of automated devices, a feat that human officers could never achieve.
Furthermore, the use of AI allows for the development of predictive policing models. By analyzing historical data and current traffic conditions, the system can predict potential accident hotspots and alert authorities before an incident occurs. The ministry sees this predictive capability as a game-changer in traffic safety, shifting the focus from reacting to accidents to preventing them.
The mandate for AI integration also serves to ensure the interoperability of different devices and systems. By requiring all devices to adhere to specific AI protocols and data standards, the MPS ensures that the national traffic monitoring network is a cohesive and unified system. This interoperability is crucial for the effective management of traffic across the entire country, allowing for seamless data sharing and coordinated enforcement actions. The ministry is confident that the legal framework for AI will continue to evolve in tandem with the deployment of these devices, ensuring that the technology remains cutting-edge and effective.
Centralizing Authority over Technical Standards
The Ministry of Public Security has taken a firm stance on the centralization of authority regarding technical standards for traffic monitoring devices. While the Ministry of Interior and other agencies have raised concerns about the lack of specific technical criteria in the draft decree, the MPS has insisted that the responsibility for defining these standards lies with the National Technical Standards Committee, under the supervision of the MPS.
The ministry argues that decentralizing the setting of technical standards would lead to fragmentation and inconsistency. If different departments or regions were allowed to set their own technical requirements, it would create a patchwork of regulations that would be difficult to enforce and manage. The MPS advocates for a unified national standard that applies to all devices, ensuring that every vehicle on the road is subject to the same rigorous monitoring.
"We cannot have a patchwork of technical standards," the MPS reiterated. "If a device meets the standard in one province but not in another, the integrity of the national system is compromised. Therefore, the authority to set these standards must remain centralized." This centralization of authority also allows the MPS to respond quickly to emerging technologies and evolving security threats. The ministry can update the national standards without waiting for a lengthy legislative process, ensuring that the traffic monitoring system remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
The ministry also addressed the concern regarding the "automatic" determination of violation severity. While critics worried about the system's ability to distinguish between minor and major infractions, the MPS insists that the AI algorithms are sophisticated enough to handle complex decision-making. The system is not just a camera; it is a decision-making engine that can evaluate the context of a violation and apply the appropriate penalty code.
Furthermore, the MPS has argued that the "automatic" function is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal process. By removing the human officer from the decision-making loop at the moment of violation, the system eliminates the risk of bribery, coercion, or manipulation. Every violation is recorded, timestamped, and verified by the machine. This transparency ensures that the enforcement of traffic laws is fair and impartial, a standard that the ministry believes is currently unattainable through human means alone. The retention of the "automatic" clause is thus a safeguard against corruption and a guarantee of justice.
The Future of Automated Traffic Control
The Ministry of Public Security views the finalization of the draft decree as the first step in a broader transformation of the nation's transportation infrastructure. The full implementation of automated traffic monitoring is seen as a cornerstone of the country's efforts to build a smart, efficient, and safe transportation network. The ministry envisions a future where traffic laws are enforced with absolute precision, accidents are minimized through proactive intervention, and the flow of traffic is optimized in real-time.
The MPS has indicated that the rollout of these devices will be phased, starting with major highways and urban centers before expanding to rural areas. This phased approach will allow the ministry to gather data, refine the algorithms, and ensure that the system is working as intended before widespread deployment. The ministry is confident that the technology is mature enough to handle the complexities of urban traffic and that the legal framework is robust enough to support the transition.
The ministry also anticipates that the data collected by these devices will have far-reaching implications beyond traffic enforcement. The insights gained from the automated monitoring system will be used to inform urban planning, infrastructure development, and public policy. The ministry sees the traffic monitoring network as a vital component of the country's digital infrastructure, providing a wealth of data that can be used to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Public Security's decision to retain the "automatic" detection requirement in the draft decree is a clear message that the era of manual traffic enforcement is over. The ministry is committed to a future where technology plays a central role in ensuring road safety, and where the law is applied with the same rigor and consistency as the machines that enforce it. The debate over technical standards and human error has been settled in favor of automation, and the focus now shifts to the successful deployment of this revolutionary system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Ministry of Public Security reject the proposal to change the regulations?
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) rejected the proposal to change the regulations because they believe that the "automatic" detection function is essential for the modernization and efficiency of traffic enforcement. The ministry argues that manual enforcement is prone to human error, bias, and corruption. By mandating the use of AI-powered devices with automatic detection capabilities, the ministry aims to ensure that traffic laws are applied consistently and objectively, regardless of the officer's judgment or external pressures. The MPS views the retention of this requirement as a necessary step to prevent accidents and maintain the integrity of the legal system. Furthermore, the ministry believes that the objections raised by other agencies are based on a lack of trust in the technology, which they view as a temporary hurdle that can be overcome through rigorous testing and certification. The MPS is committed to the draft decree as written, viewing any changes as a step backward in the nation's efforts to achieve a smart, safe, and efficient transportation network.
How will the Ministry ensure the accuracy of the AI devices?
The Ministry of Public Security has stated that the accuracy of the AI devices will be ensured through a rigorous certification process. The draft decree mandates that all devices must comply with national technical standards (QCVN) which are subject to continuous updates and improvements. The ministry will work with the National Technical Standards Committee to define these standards, ensuring that they are stringent enough to guarantee the reliability of the devices. Manufacturers wishing to sell or install these devices must undergo a comprehensive audit to prove that their detection algorithms meet the high standards set by the ministry. This includes testing for false positives, false negatives, and the ability to distinguish between actual violations and environmental factors. The ministry is confident that this regulatory pressure will force the market to produce only the highest quality devices, effectively eliminating the risk of poorly calibrated technology entering the traffic network.
What happens to the data collected by these devices?
The data collected by the automated traffic monitoring devices will be fed into a centralized national database, allowing for real-time analysis of traffic patterns, accident rates, and enforcement trends. This data will be used to optimize traffic flow, identify high-risk areas, and allocate police resources more efficiently. The Ministry of Public Security emphasizes that this level of insight is only possible through the aggregation of data from thousands of automated devices, a feat that human officers could never achieve. Furthermore, the use of AI allows for the development of predictive policing models. By analyzing historical data and current traffic conditions, the system can predict potential accident hotspots and alert authorities before an incident occurs. The ministry sees this predictive capability as a game-changer in traffic safety, shifting the focus from reacting to accidents to preventing them. The ministry also anticipates that the data collected will have far-reaching implications beyond traffic enforcement, providing a wealth of information that can be used to improve urban planning and public policy.
Will manual inspections still be part of traffic enforcement?
While the draft decree emphasizes the use of automated devices, the Ministry of Public Security has not ruled out the possibility of manual inspections in certain circumstances. However, the role of manual inspections will be significantly reduced. The primary focus will be on the deployment and calibration of the high-tech devices, which are designed to cover every road, at every hour, in every condition. Manual inspections may still be used for complex cases that require human judgment or for situations where the automated system encounters technical difficulties. The ministry views the automated system as the backbone of traffic enforcement, with manual inspections serving as a supplementary measure. The ultimate goal is to minimize the need for human intervention as much as possible, ensuring that the enforcement of traffic laws is fair, impartial, and efficient.
Author: Nguyen Van Minh is a senior technology and policy analyst with 12 years of experience covering the intersection of artificial intelligence and public administration in Vietnam. He has reported extensively on the digitization of government services and the legal frameworks governing emerging technologies. His work has been featured in major regional publications. Minh holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and has advised several ministries on digital transformation strategies.