Consent remains one of the most important legal bases for personal data processing and a key mechanism for ensuring transparency, accountability, and data subject control. This article examines the role of consent under Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Law 2025 and Decree No. 356/2025/ND-CP, focusing on the requirements for valid consent, the timing of consent collection, and practical approaches to consent log management. It also highlights how effective consent governance supports compliance, trust, and responsible data processing throughout the data lifecycle.