PM promulgates new list of state secrets in science and technology

State secrets in the field of science and technology are classified into three degrees of secrecy under Prime Minister Decision 137/QD-TTg.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has introduced the list of state secrets in the field of science and technology. This move is expected to perfect the legal framework and enhance information safety and security in key areas of science, technology and innovation, ensuring alignment with practical requirements and national defense missions in the new era.

Taking effect on January 19, Prime Minister Decision 137 classifies state secrets into three degrees of secrecy. Top secret is imposed on state secrets, which include information relating to special science, technology and innovation tasks or special national science, technology and innovation programs that directly serve national defense and security and have a decisive impact on the country’s combat and defense capabilities.

Meanwhile, the secret category includes information on special national science, technology and innovation tasks or programs that have direct impacts on national defense and security and the safeguarding of national sovereignty.

Confidentiality is imposed on state secrets that are defined as having a broad scope, including reports, proposals, and documents seeking opinions on new guidelines and policies related to science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation for national defense and security.

This category also covers state secrets related to politics, national defense and security, cipher; constitutional, legislative and judicial activities; external affairs, economic affairs, natural resources and environment; science and technology, education and training, culture, sports, information and communications, health, population, labor, social affairs; organization and personnel work; inspection, examination, supervision; handling of violations, settlement of complaints and denunciations; corruption prevention and fighting, and state audit.

In the field of inventions serving national defense and security or those of particularly important significance to the socio-economic development, confidential is imposed on state secrets that include patent registration applications, descriptions, and patent abstracts; patent titles; and exchange documents during the appraisal of the application or technical contents related to the protection titles.

- (VLLF)