Is it okay to take photos of random people in the streets of Vietnam? Here’s what you need to know before taking that shot!
Vietnam is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Asia. It offers picturesque scenes, warm welcoming people, appetizing dishes, intriguing history and culture.
The country is so much more than just a destination! No wonder why so many people are attracted to its mystics over the past years and the numbers are still growing.
Some travellers visit the country for a snap of professional shots be it nature photography, landscape or people and street photography. However, before even clicking that capture button, you might want to know is it okay to take photos of random people in the streets of Vietnam?
Clause 2, Article 32 of the Civil Code of Vietnam
This clause states that taking a photo or video of a random person in a public place (ex: a park, on the road), without the consent of that person, is not considered an illegal act. In addition, the use of images from public activities including conferences, seminars, sports competitions, performing arts, and other public activities without damaging honor or dignity, the reputation of the person with the image is also not a violation even without the consent of that person.
However, if using photos or videos of a random person from public activities harms or affects the honor, dignity, and reputation of that person, this is a violation of the law.
Therefore, if a foreigner randomly takes a photo of a native or anyone just for souvenir purposes, it will not violate Vietnamese law. But if you use them for other purposes to affect their honor, dignity, or reputation, you may be accused.
Although the use of images in the above cases does not require the consent of the image object, if the person in the image feels that the use of the image infringes their honor, dignity, or reputation, he/she may still ask you to delete the image.
However, if the two parties cannot reach an agreement, they have the right to sue you about this matter with the help of the Court. Nonetheless, the Court will only resolve if they can prove that their legitimate rights and interests have been violated.
However, up to now, there has not been any noise surrounding the above problem. Most of the Vietnamese people are very friendly and hospitable, they will always be happy for you to take a photo of them without asking for permission, maybe even agree to take a selfie with you. In some cases when you do not take photos of them intentionally, but they still appear extremely natural in the frame and pose for you.
This again shows that Vietnam is a very worthy country for you to visit or even stay to work. Because of the sociable nature of the locals, many foreigners easily integrate and adapt to life here.
