Soon telcos may have to part with IP addresses if police want them

The proposal, included in the Cybersecurity Bill it sent to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sept. 23, will make telecom companies responsible for managing IP data and handing it over to authorities when demanded.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Van Long explained that IPs constantly change between users and locations, making it difficult to track online threats.

Not law enforcement has to file requests with Internet service providers and hopefully wait for them to oblige, which officials say risks exposing sensitive investigations.

IP addresses are like "digital street addresses," Long said, adding that they pinpoint when, where and by whom a device was connected.

The bill also has tighter data security requirements.

Agencies and organizations handling sensitive information would need to use encryption, have access control and backup systems and make regular risk assessments.

The bill prohibits transfer of core and critical data to third parties and also mentions the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man has called for clearer obligations on the part of global platforms like Google and Facebook.

He warned that AI could be used to create fake voices or videos for blackmail and fraud.