The Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) is a pivotal organization within Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications, dedicated to managing and fostering the growth of the nation’s Internet infrastructure. As the cornerstone of Vietnam’s Internet ecosystem, VNNIC ensures the stability, security, and efficient functioning of Internet services across the country. You can learn more by reading VinaHost‘s following article: “What is VNNIC? | Everything you need to know VNNIC VN“.

1. What is VNNIC VN?

The Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) is an organization under the Ministry of Information and Communications. It is responsible for managing and developing the internet infrastructure in Vietnam.

Since its establishment on April 28, 2000, VNNIC has made significant contributions to gradually integrating Vietnam’s internet with the international community, providing information and guidance to domestic internet users, and promoting the development of the internet in Vietnam.

What is VNNIC — *Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) stands as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s Internet infrastructure*

VNNIC’s vision:

VNNIC aims to build a global, comprehensive, secure, and stable Internet network, playing a pioneering role in promoting the development of the Internet in Vietnam and connecting the region.

VNNIC’s mission:

As the National Internet Information Center, VNNIC provides core infrastructure and essential services for Vietnam’s Internet network, including managing the national domain name “.vn”, IP addresses, network numbers, and Internet routing.

At the same time, VNNIC ensures the safe and stable operation of the National Domain Name Server System and the National Internet Exchange Point. They also guide, provide reliable information and new services on the Internet resource, connect the community and promote the development and safety of the Internet in Vietnam.

Also read: What is Domain & How It Impacts Your Online Presence

2. A Brief History of VNNIC

Throughout its development phases, VNNIC has affirmed its important role in the development and management of the Internet in Vietnam, ensuring the integration and sustainable development of the national Internet infrastructure. You can

1997: Establishment of the Vietnam Internet Network Management Center (VNC) under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
1998: Deployment of the national domain name server system “.vn” began.
April 28, 2000: The Vietnam Internet Center (VNNIC) was established under Decision No. 372/2000/QĐ-TCBĐ of the General Post Office (now the Ministry of Information and Communications). VNNIC was established to manage, develop, and operate Internet infrastructure in Vietnam.
2003: VNNIC officially managed the national domain name “.vn” and deployed the DNS server system for the national domain name, ensuring the stable and secure operation of the domain name system.
2006: Joined and became a full member of international Internet organizations such as APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre) and ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), contributing to the international integration of Vietnam’s Internet.
2010: Deployed the service of providing IP addresses and network numbers (ASNs) to domestic enterprises and organizations, helping to improve the management and use of Internet resources.
2013: Launched the National Internet Exchange Point (VNIX) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, strengthening connectivity and Internet traffic exchange in the country, improving efficiency and reducing Internet access costs.
2015: Expanded the national DNS server system to many different locations across the country, ensuring the continuity and reliability of the “.vn” national domain name service.
2016: VNNIC deployed 2 domestic .vn national DNS server clusters to support IPv6; carried out activities to promote IPv6 transition in Vietnam, support organizations and businesses in the transition from IPv4 to IPv6, ensuring the sustainable development of the Internet in the future.
2017: Reached the milestone of 400,000 registered .vn domain names, making Vietnam the country with the second highest number of registered and used national domain names in Southeast Asia.
2019: Launched cooperation and training programs with international and regional organizations, to enhance the capacity of Internet infrastructure management and operation for domestic technical staff.
2022: Vietnam Internet Center (VNNIC) changed the new brand identity of the national domain name “.vn” to meet the requirements of popularizing domain names for all citizens associated with digital citizens, digital businesses.
2022 – present: Focus on ensuring Internet security and safety, protecting user data, developing the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI),…

Also read: What is a Top Level domain? | Everything You Need to Know TLDs

3. How Does VNNIC Work?

VNNIC plays a strategic role in international cooperation, policy implementation, and ensures the security and stability of Vietnam’s internet.

The functions, responsibilities, and authorities of VNNIC are stipulated in Decision No. 48/QĐ-BTTTT dated January 18, 2024, of the Minister of Information and Communications. These include:

Providing public service career services

Managing and operating the national domain name system “.VN”
Allocating IP addresses and network numbers (ASNs) to domestic organizations and businesses
Establishing and operating Internet exchange points (VNIX)
Providing DNS and other related services
Conducting research and development in the field of Internet technology
Providing training and consultation on Internet-related issues

Supporting the State Management of the Ministry of Information and Communications

Providing data and information for the management of Internet activities in Vietnam
Participating in the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies related to Internet development
Coordinating with other agencies in the management of Internet activities
Representing Vietnam in international organizations related to the Internet

Managing and developing the organization

Developing and implementing the organization’s development strategy
Managing the organization’s finances and assets
Organizing and managing the organization’s personnel
Building and developing the organization’s culture

Performing other tasks as assigned by law or the Minister

Fulfilling other tasks assigned by the Ministry of Information and Communications
Cooperating with other agencies and organizations in the performance of assigned tasks

Also read: What is .health.vn domain? | Overview of domain names .health.vn

4. What Does VNNIC Do?

4.1. Domain Name Management

VNNIC is responsible for managing and issuing the national domain name “.VN”, including registering, renewing, and transferring domain names to organizations, businesses, and individuals in Vietnam:

Managing the “.VN” domain name registration process: Ensuring that all individuals and organizations can register and use domain names legally and transparently.
Ensuring domain names are renewed and maintained on time: Preventing domain names from expiring and affecting the online activities of organizations and businesses.
Managing the transfer of domain names between owners and updating domain name information: Ensuring the accuracy and security of data.

VNNIC ensures the stability and security of the national domain name system “.VN”:

Maintaining and operating the national DNS server system: Ensuring that the domain name resolution process is fast and accurate.
Implementing advanced security measures to protect the DNS system from cyberattacks: Such as denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, helping to ensure the availability and security of the “.VN” domain name.

VNNIC plays a key role in promoting the development of the national domain name brand .VN on the Internet:

The “.VN” domain name is considered a symbol of prestige and trust: Helping businesses and organizations build trust with customers and partners.
VNNIC promotes the use of the “.VN” domain name in e-commerce activities: Contributing to the development of Vietnam’s digital economy.

VNNIC ensures that the domain name system operates stably, securely, and in compliance with international domain name regulations:

VNNIC develops and updates policies and regulations on the management and use of the “.VN” domain name: Ensuring that these regulations are in line with international practices and domestic conditions.
VNNIC is a member of international organizations such as ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre): Through which, VNNIC participates in the development and compliance with international regulations and standards for domain name management.

VNNIC also supports and guides users in registering and using the “.VN” domain name:

Providing customer support services: Answering questions and resolving issues related to the “.VN” domain name.
Organizing awareness and training programs: To improve users’ awareness and skills in managing and using domain names through official domain name registrars.

4.2. IP Address Management

VNNIC (Vietnam Internet Network Information Center) plays a critical role in the management of IP addresses in Vietnam, ensuring the efficient and secure allocation and use of IP resources within the country. Here are the key aspects of VNNIC’s role in IP address management:

Allocation and distribution of IP addresses:

IPv4 and IPv6 allocation: VNNIC is responsible for the allocation and distribution of both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), businesses, and other organizations in Vietnam.
Efficient utilization: They ensure that IP addresses are allocated efficiently to prevent wastage and to make the most of the available IP resources.
Policy formulation: VNNIC develops and implements policies related to IP address management to ensure that the allocation and use of IP addresses are fair, transparent, and in line with international best practices.

Management of ASN (Autonomous System Numbers):

ASN allocation: VNNIC manages the allocation of Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) to organizations that require them for routing internet traffic.
Coordination with global authorities: VNNIC coordinates with international organizations such as APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre) to manage and allocate ASNs in line with global standards.
Database maintenance: VNNIC maintains an accurate and up-to-date database of allocated IP addresses and ASNs, ensuring transparency and reliability of IP resource information.

Promotion of IPv6 adoption:

IPv6 transition support: VNNIC actively promotes the adoption of IPv6 addresses, providing support and resources to facilitate the transition from IPv4 to IPv6.
Training and awareness: They conduct training sessions and awareness programs to educate stakeholders about the benefits and implementation of IPv6.

Security and stability:

Network security: VNNIC implements measures to ensure the security and stability of the IP address infrastructure, protecting it from misuse and cyber threats.
Incident response: They are involved in incident response and mitigation efforts in case of IP-related security breaches or attacks.
Regulatory compliance: They ensure that all IP address management activities comply with national and international regulations.
Public information: They provide public access to information about IP address allocations, which helps in network planning and management.

Also read: The Value of Domain Names: Choosing the Right Domain for Your Website

4.3. DNS Management

VNNIC acts as the central authority for managing and maintaining the “.VN” DNS system, ensuring its smooth operation, security, and compliance with international standards:

Management of the National Domain Name System and promotion of DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions)

.VN domain management: VNNIC is responsible for the administration and management of the national top-level domain (ccTLD) “.vn”. This includes the registration, renewal, and transfer of “.vn” domain names.
DNS infrastructure maintenance: VNNIC ensures the stability and security of the DNS infrastructure by maintaining and operating national DNS servers that handle domain name resolutions for the “.vn” domain.
Information accessibility: VNNIC provides public access to information related to domain name registrations and DNS management, ensuring transparency and helping users make informed decisions.
DNSSEC implementation: VNNIC promotes and supports the implementation of DNSSEC, which adds an additional layer of security to the DNS. This helps prevent various types of attacks, such as cache poisoning, by ensuring that the responses to DNS queries are authentic.

Ensuring DNS security and stability

Advanced security measures: VNNIC implements advanced security protocols to protect the DNS system from cyber-attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. This helps maintain the availability and integrity of the domain name system.
Regular monitoring and updates: Continuous monitoring and regular updates are performed to ensure the DNS infrastructure operates efficiently and securely.

Policy development and compliance

Policy formulation: VNNIC develops and enforces policies related to DNS management to ensure that domain name registrations and operations comply with national regulations and international best practices.
Regulatory compliance: VNNIC ensures that all activities related to DNS management adhere to both domestic laws and international standards, fostering a trustworthy and reliable DNS environment.

Supporting DNS operations

Technical support: VNNIC provides technical support to domain registrars and end-users, helping them with issues related to DNS configuration, domain management, and other technical aspects.
Training and education: VNNIC conducts training sessions and awareness programs to educate stakeholders on DNS management, security best practices, and the importance of a stable and secure DNS infrastructure.
Resource allocation: Efficiently allocates and manages DNS resources to support the growing demand for internet services in Vietnam.
Information accessibility: VNNIC provides public access to information related to domain name registrations and DNS management, ensuring transparency and helping users make informed decisions.
Resource allocation: Efficiently allocates and manages DNS resources to support the growing demand for internet services in Vietnam.

International collaboration

Global standards and practices: As a member of international organizations such as ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre), VNNIC collaborates on global DNS initiatives and adopts best practices to enhance the DNS infrastructure in Vietnam.

Also read: What is Whois? | Everything You Need To Know Whois

5. VNNIC’s Impact on Vietnamese Businesses and Individuals

We can see that VNNIC plays a significant role in fostering the development of a secure, accessible, and trusted online environment for Vietnamese businesses and individuals. Here are the key impacts:

Facilitating online presence for businesses

By managing and promoting the national domain name “.vn”, VNNIC has enabled businesses to establish a credible and locally recognized online presence. This boosts consumer trust and brand reputation within the Vietnamese market.
The availability of “.vn” domains supports the growth of e-commerce by providing businesses with a reliable platform to operate online, which is crucial for reaching a broader customer base and enhancing sales.
VNNIC’s role in developing and enforcing internet-related policies ensures a regulated and fair internet environment. This helps businesses operate within a clear legal framework, reducing risks and fostering a competitive market.

Enhancing internet accessibility and reliability

VNNIC’s management of the DNS infrastructure ensures that websites using the “.vn” domain are accessible and reliable. This stability is critical for businesses that rely on continuous online operations and for individuals who depend on consistent internet access for communication and information.
By efficiently managing IP address allocation, VNNIC supports the expansion of internet services, enabling more businesses and individuals to connect to the internet with reliable and scalable IP resources.

Promoting digital transformation

VNNIC’s efforts in promoting IPv6 adoption ensure that Vietnam’s internet infrastructure is future-proof, accommodating the increasing number of internet-connected devices. This transition supports digital transformation initiatives across various sectors.
VNNIC provides training and support to help businesses and individuals understand and implement internet technologies effectively, fostering a tech-savvy environment conducive to digital innovation.

Ensuring internet security and stability

VNNIC’s implementation of advanced security measures to protect the DNS and IP infrastructure helps safeguard businesses and individuals from cyber threats. This enhances the overall security posture of the Vietnamese internet.
By promoting DNSSEC, VNNIC adds an extra layer of security for domain name resolution, protecting users from certain types of cyberattacks and ensuring the integrity of their online transactions and communications.

Supporting economic growth

VNNIC’s activities support the development of Vietnam’s digital economy by providing the necessary infrastructure for online business activities. This contributes to overall economic growth and innovation.
The expanding internet infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives lead to job creation in IT, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and other related fields.

Also read: What is .net.vn domain? | Overview of domain names .net.vn

6. The Future of VNNIC and the Vietnamese Internet

We think VNNIC is likely to remain a key player in shaping the future of the Vietnamese internet.

VNNIC is likely to continue expanding internet infrastructure to enhance connectivity across Vietnam, especially in rural and underserved areas. This expansion will facilitate greater access to digital services and opportunities for all citizens.With the rollout of 5G technology, VNNIC will play a crucial role in ensuring the infrastructure supports high-speed, low-latency internet, which is essential for modern applications like IoT, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles.

Additionally, VNNIC’s ongoing efforts to promote IPv6 adoption will become even more critical as the number of internet-connected devices grows. IPv6 will ensure that Vietnam’s internet infrastructure remains scalable and future-proof. Continued education and training initiatives by VNNIC will help businesses and individuals transition smoothly to IPv6, ensuring widespread adoption and efficient utilization of the new protocol.

Besides, VNNIC will continue to support government initiatives aimed at digital transformation, including the development of e-government services, digital healthcare, and digital education. VNNIC will facilitate innovation and digital transformation across various industries, helping businesses adopt new technologies and improve their competitiveness by providing a stable and secure internet infrastructure.

Especially, encouraging the use of the “.vn” domain will help promote local content and services, supporting the growth of Vietnamese businesses online and enhancing national digital identity. Therefore, VNNIC can contribute to the cultural and economic development of Vietnam, making the internet a vital tool for national progress.

Howerver, in the context of cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, VNNIC will need to implement advanced cybersecurity measures to protect the national internet infrastructure. This may include promoting best practices in cybersecurity and enhancing the resilience of the DNS and IP systems. Increased collaboration with international cybersecurity organizations and participation in global cybersecurity initiatives will be essential for addressing cross-border cyber threats.

VNNIC also need to develop and adapt policies that address emerging challenges in the digital landscape, such as data privacy, digital rights, and internet governance. Aligning with global internet governance standards and practices will be crucial for integrating Vietnam’s internet infrastructure with the global network, fostering international collaboration and trade.

Also read: What is .ac.vn domain? | Overview of domain names .ac.vn

7. FAQs

7.1. Who can register a “.vn” domain name?

Individuals, businesses, organizations, and even foreign entities with interests in Vietnam can register a “.vn” domain name:

Vietnamese Individuals: Vietnamese citizens can register “.vn” domain names.
Vietnamese Businesses and Organizations: Businesses and organizations registered in Vietnam can register “.vn” domain names.
Foreign Individuals and Entities (with limitations): Foreigners and foreign entities can also register “.vn” domain names.

Whether you are an individual or organization in Vietnam or abroad, please note that you will need to provide the following information if you wish to register a .vn domain name:

Individuals: Provide the necessary personal information, ID card, and complete eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification.
Organizations: Provide business information, representative information, and complete electronic signature verification.

These are mandatory regulations of VNNIC to ensure domain security.

While anyone can register general “.vn” or “.com.vn” domains, some specific extensions under “.vn” have restrictions. For example, “.edu.vn” is likely reserved for educational institutions, and “.gov.vn” is likely reserved for Vietnamese government entities.

You’ll likely need to register “.vn” domain names through an accredited Vietnamese domain name registrar. These registrars will handle the application process and ensure it complies with VNNIC’s regulations.

7.2. Does VNNIC offer any additional services besides domain registration?

Besides domain registration, VNNIC offers DNS management, IP address allocation, DNSSEC implementation, technical support, policy development, training, and collaboration with international organizations:

DNS management: VNNIC provides DNS management services to ensure the stable and secure operation of domain names under the “.vn” ccTLD.
IP address allocation: VNNIC is responsible for allocating and managing IP (Internet Protocol) addresses in Vietnam, assigning IP address blocks to ISPs (Internet Service Providers), organizations, and businesses to facilitate their internet connectivity.
DNSSEC implementation: VNNIC promotes and supports the implementation of DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) for “.vn” domain names. DNSSEC adds an extra layer of security to the DNS by digitally signing DNS data to prevent tampering and spoofing attacks.
Technical support and consultation: VNNIC offers technical support and consultation services to domain registrars, ISPs, organizations, and individuals regarding domain management, DNS configuration, and internet infrastructure.
Training and education: VNNIC conducts training programs, workshops, and educational sessions to raise awareness and enhance knowledge about internet technologies, domain management best practices, DNS security, and compliance with internet regulations.

7.3. Are there any renewal fees associated with registering a .vn domain name?

Yes, there are renewal fees associated with registering a “.vn” domain name. Typically, domain registrations are valid for a specific period, often one year.

To continue using the domain name after the initial registration period, registrants must renew their registration and pay the renewal fee. The renewal fee varies depending on the domain registrar and any additional services or features associated with the domain registration.

You can refer VinaHost’s domain pricing below:

CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT DOMAIN NAME	REGISTRATION FEE	RENEWAL FEE	TRANSFER FEE
.VN	22.5 USD	22.5 USD	22.5 USD
.AI.VN	17.5 USD	17.5 USD	17.5 USD
.COM.VN \| .NET.VN \| .BIZ.VN	17.5 USD	17.5 USD	17.5 USD
.EDU.VN \| .GOV.VN \| .ORG.VN \|.AC.VN \|.HEALTH.VN \| .INT.VN \| ADMINISTRATIVE REGION DOMAIN	7.5 USD	10.0 USD	10.0 USD
.ID.VN	3.0 USD	3.5 USD	3.5 USD
.INFO.VN \| .PRO.VN	3.0 USD	5.0 USD	5.0 USD
.NAME.VN	1.5 USD	2.0 USD	2.0 USD
.IO.VN	1.5 USD	2.0 USD	2.0 USD
VinaHost is the official .VN domain name registrar	Register	Renew	Transfer

Domain Registration VietNam | VN Domains | Just 22$

Additionally, we also provide:

Dedicated Server Vietnam

VPS Vietnam

Colocation Vietnam

Therefore, you need to keep track of the expiration date of the domain registration and renew it before it expires to avoid any disruption in the ownership and use of the domain name.

Besides, the transfer fees for “.vn” domain names can vary depending on the domain registrar and the specific terms and conditions of the transfer process. When transferring a “.vn” domain name from one registrar to another, there may be fees involved, including administrative fees charged by the gaining registrar and potentially fees from the losing registrar.

These fees can vary, you need to check with both registrars to understand the transfer costs involved before initiating the transfer process.

8. Conclusion

We hope this article helps you understand what is VNNIC and what is it role in Internet resource management in Vietnam.

VNNIC is not just a regulatory body; it is a driving force behind Vietnam’s digital transformation. Its comprehensive approach to Internet management, policy development, and technological advancement positions Vietnam as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

As the Internet continues to evolve, we think that VNNIC’s role will undoubtedly become even more critical, ensuring that Vietnam remains connected, secure, and forward-thinking in the digital information age.

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