Vietnam regulates electronic surveillance of minors in conflict with the law
The Vietnamese government has promulgated Decree No. 333/2025/NĐ-CP, specifying the terms of application of several alternative treatment measures within the community, including electronic monitoring of minors facing criminal charges, as well as social reintegration mechanisms.
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| The monitoring device consists of electronic equipment making it possible to track, collect and transmit data relating to the movements and activities of the person concerned. |
| Photo : CTV/CVN |
This regulatory text, composed of six chapters and 27 articles, details the implementation of certain provisions of the Juvenile Justice Law No. 59/2024/QH15, as amended by Law No. 85/2025/QH15. In particular, it governs reorientation measures towards educational programs, vocational training, care or psychological support, as well as the responsibilities, procedures and skills of local authorities in terms of community management.
The decree precisely defines the conditions for applying electronic surveillance to minors implicated as defendants or accused. The measure is limited to the territory of the municipality of residence of the person concerned.
The monitoring device consists of electronic equipment making it possible to track, collect and transmit data relating to the movements and activities of the person concerned. This device can be worn on the person or attached to an object that they are required to keep with them. Its use must guarantee respect for daily life, personal hygiene and prevent any form of stigma or discrimination within the community.
The main responsibility for the execution of the measure lies with the Communal People’s Committee, responsible for organizing surveillance, informing the authority which issued the decision of its progress, proposing, if necessary, temporary authorizations to leave the monitored area, and reporting any violation of the commitments made by the minor.
The municipal police assist the Popular Committee in this mission. It ensures the reception of the monitored person, daily management and monitoring, technical assistance linked to the use of equipment, drafting of reports in the event of violation of obligations, as well as the periodic collection and evaluation of data relating to the application of the measure.
The organizations, institutions and individuals concerned are called upon to cooperate with the authorities and families, to provide the necessary support services and to contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the system. The family also plays a central role, supporting the minor, promoting respect for the law and actively participating in their educational and social supervision.
The decree specifies the procedural steps from the handing over of the minor to the municipal authorities until the end or replacement of the measure. Any violation of commitments – unauthorized exit from the perimeter, unjustified absence, alteration or destruction of the system – gives rise to a formal report, a summons and, if necessary, a report to the competent authority for a decision.
In the event of irreversible deterioration or destruction of the device, compensation is required in accordance with the Civil Code in force.
The decree will come into force on 1is January 2026. However, the specific provisions relating to the application of electronic surveillance will only be effective from 1is January 2028, in order to enable the competent authorities to prepare the necessary technical and organizational conditions.
VNA/CVN
