Vietnam Tightens Social Media Rules, Slashing Take‑Down Time to 24 Hours
On November 4th, Information Minister Nguyen Manh Hung told lawmakers that Vietnam is tightening its grip on social media content, making it quicker to remove “false” posts. Instead of the previous 48‑hour window, the new policy cuts the deadline down to 24 hours.
The Push for Speed
Hung explained to parliament that “false news, if handled in a slow manner, will spread very widely.” This tweak, he said, is part of a broader strategy to curb what the Communist Party calls “anti‑state” activity. He highlighted that the ministry plans to ramp up administrative fines, aiming for deterrence the size of penalties in other Southeast Asian countries.
Why the Change Matters
- Fast removal reduces the chance for misinformation to spiral.
- Strengthens Vietnam’s reputation as a top‑tier regulator for social media firms.
- Provides a sharper legal tool for the party when cracking down on dissent.
“News‑Lisation” and Safer Accounts
Hung also referenced the country’s plan to tackle “News‑Lisation,” where ordinary users are tricked into thinking their accounts are official news outlets. In 2023, he proposed outright bans on non‑licensed accounts pushing news content. The government’s latest rules limit which social media profiles can publish “news‑related” posts.
Context: Bigger Picture
Vietnam’s internet landscape has seen a whirlwind of changes—most notably a 2019 cybersecurity law and, in June 2024, national guidelines on social media conduct. Critics argue these laws could give authorities more leeway to silence opposition. Yet, the market remains appealing; Facebook alone generates about US$1 billion in the country.
