The judicial sector recently made a significant advancement with the promulgation of Joint Circular No. 04/2026, issued by the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense, Supreme People's Procuracy, and Supreme People's Court. This circular regulates the digitalization of criminal case files.
The content with the greatest impact on citizens' rights is the establishment of a mechanism for delivering, receiving, and accessing case files and procedural documents through digital platforms and the VNeID application.
Accordingly, electronic case files are recognized as having the same legal validity as paper files. The delivery and receipt of these documents between procedural agencies and citizens can therefore be carried out via VNeID electronic identification accounts or linked digital platforms.
This means that instead of waiting for documents to be sent by mail or having to visit police or court offices in person to receive notifications, sign acknowledgments, or make copies, citizens can receive procedural decisions directly on their smartphones.
These electronic notification methods are repeated three times over three consecutive days. The notification period concludes when the system confirms that the recipient has successfully accessed or viewed the document.
Who can access case files?
Regarding those eligible for this right, the circular stipulates that only participants in proceedings and their relatives have the right to access, read, make notes, and copy documents within electronic case files.
The group of participants in proceedings includes: suspects, defendants, victims, civil plaintiffs, civil defendants, individuals with related rights and obligations, and especially defense counsel and those protecting legitimate rights and interests (lawyers).
The method for remote access and delivery of files is designed to ensure the highest level of authenticity and security.
Citizens use their identified VNeID accounts to log into the specialized software systems of procedural agencies. Here, they can read files or copy necessary documents under the close supervision of authorized personnel through system log management mechanisms.
Specifically, for drafting minutes or signing procedural documents, if citizens do not have a specialized digital signature, they can use alternative electronic confirmation methods. These include scanning fingerprints via electronic devices or signing directly on device screens integrated with specialized software. All operations are recorded in the electronic log.
Citizens need to check notifications regularly
Alongside the convenience, citizens have personal responsibilities when participating in the digital procedural process.
Specifically, citizens need to regularly check their email inboxes and accounts to promptly receive notifications from procedural agencies.
The circular states that if procedural agencies have provided valid notification but citizens fail to check their accounts, then after the notification period expires, there will be no justifiable reason to complain or petition about not receiving the document, except in cases of force majeure or objective obstacles.
Concurrently, citizens bear full responsibility for the accuracy and legality of the information and data they provide through their electronic accounts.
The circular took effect from the date of signing, 15/5. However, before nationwide implementation, authorities will select a number of localities across the country for a pilot program. This will assess the compatibility of technical infrastructure, data security, and convenience for citizens.
Hai Thu
