Can Tho (VNA) – As digital platforms become central to learning, research and everyday communication, educational institutions in Can Tho are intensifying efforts to equip students with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex online environment, from identifying misinformation and online scams to using artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly.
The push comes ahead of the implementation of Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Law 2025 on July 1, 2026. The legislation marks a major step in strengthening the country's legal framework for cyberspace governance, introducing dedicated provisions on data security, AI governance and deepfake technology, while placing greater responsibility on organisations and individuals operating online.
Recently, the Can Tho campus of the Saigon College of Technology held a seminar on information literacy in the digital age. The programme focused on practical skills such as searching for, filtering and evaluating online information, while also introducing students to regulations on cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, digital citizenship and the responsible use of generative AI.
At the event, Ngo Hai Son, a prosecutor from the Office of the Can Tho People's Procuracy, guided students on how to effectively access online resources for study and research. He also highlighted legal risks associated with plagiarism, unauthorised use of copyrighted materials and the growing tendency to rely on AI-generated content without proper verification.
According to experts, while AI offers significant opportunities for education and innovation, misuse of the technology can lead to violations of copyright regulations and academic ethics.
Particular attention was given to deepfake technology, which uses AI to create highly realistic images, audio recordings and videos. Specialists warned that deepfakes are increasingly being exploited for identity theft, financial fraud and the spread of false information, posing new challenges for cybersecurity and social trust.
Through case studies and practical examples, students learned how to identify signs of manipulated content, verify information sources, protect personal data and use AI tools in a safe and responsible manner.
Similar initiatives are being rolled out at other educational institutions across the city.
In late May, the Internal Political Security Division under the municipal Department of Public Security, in collaboration with Nam Can Tho University, organised a legal awareness programme focusing on cyberspace-related issues. The sessions covered online fraud prevention, safe social media use, personal data protection and compliance with legal regulations in the digital environment.
Police officials stressed that legal knowledge, digital citizenship and self-protection skills are becoming increasingly important as cybercrime and online scams continue to evolve in both scale and sophistication.
According to Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoang Phuc, head of the Internal Political Security Division, Nam Can Tho University has been selected to pilot a model on legal education and awareness in cyberspace for students. One of its key features is an online platform designed to connect students with university administrators and relevant authorities while providing timely access to legal information.
At Can Tho University, the largest higher education institution in the Mekong Delta with nearly 50,000 full-time students, legal education in the digital environment has become a regular part of student affairs activities. The university works closely with local police to organise thematic programmes and maintain safe dormitory models, while integrating topics such as personal data protection, cybercrime prevention and responsible social media use into student support initiatives.
Beyond campuses, the city is also expanding public awareness efforts. Can Tho is currently organising its 2026 online legal knowledge contest for civil servants, students and local residents, aiming to improve legal awareness, encourage access to verified information and promote responsible behaviour in cyberspace.
The growing emphasis on fake news detection, online fraud prevention, personal data protection and responsible AI use reflects a broader shift from traditional legal education towards building digital citizenship skills among young people. Alongside helping students protect themselves from online threats, these initiatives are fostering a generation equipped with critical thinking, digital adaptability and a stronger sense of social responsibility in an era of rapid digital transformation./.
