Vietnam Sets Up a New “News‑Filter” for Social Media
What’s Really Happening
Vietnam is about to roll out a set of rules that will decide which Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok “star” can actually post news‑worthy stuff. The move is part of a broader effort to stop the country’s internet from turning into a free‑for‑all newsroom. Authorities want to crackdown on accounts that make followers believe they’re hearing from a legitimate news outlet when, in fact, they’re just a charismatic influencer.
The Plan (Soon to Be Announced)
These regulations were quietly drafted by the Ministry of Information and Communications together with the foreign policy ministry, but officials declined to comment when asked.
Why the Push?
Vietnam has long kept a tight leash on the press and the internet. The Communist Party runs heavy censorship and only tolerates a thin sliver of dissent. Updating the rules means adding extra regulations to an already restrictive regime. Officials allegedly met privately with big‑tech firms to hand them a playbook of which accounts will be allowed to share news.
The Numbers
These figures show just how wide‑spread social media is; it’s no wonder the government wants to control it.
Where It Comes From
In July, the government issued non‑binding guidelines distinguishing “real” from “fake” news outlets. These guidelines will be upgraded into binding law in the new rules. The push also comes after Vietnam ran a stricter regulation last August, making tech companies keep user data local and maintain domestic offices.
Bottom Line
You won’t hear from an “official” news outlet unless the government says its account is indeed a news guide. The rest? Good, it stays personal. The move may make social platforms more cautious, but it also risks smothering legitimate grassroots reporting. While Vietnamese netizens keep scrolling and sharing, one thing’s certain: the new policy will definitely keep the conversation going—though perhaps in a different tone and with fewer surprises.
