Vietnam Takes a Hard Stance on YouTube Ads
Up in the bustling capital of Hanoi, the government’s latest move might feel a bit like a giant corporate “no entry” sign—except it’s directed at the ads that ride along the YouTube platform.
Why the Fuss?
In a published email that went straight to the well‑known state media, the Ministry of Information and Communication reminded companies that any advertising on videos marked as “anti‑state propaganda” is a big no‑no. The ruling Communist Party keeps a tight grip on press freedom, and it won’t hesitate to cut off feeds that dare to flicker in dissent.
What Went Wrong?
The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) cites a June 7 announcement that Google has been a “loose cannon” in managing content. Users can buy ads directly from YouTube and Google, bypassing local agency oversight. The ministry flagged a handful of foreign giants—Samsung, Huawei, Yamaha, and even Grab, the app that makes Uber seem old news—because they advertised on videos flagged as “illegal and malicious.”
Stats That Might Make You Check Your Phone
- About 55,000 YouTube videos were labeled “harmful” or in violation of Vietnamese law.
- Crunchy 8,000 of those got taken down at the behest of authorities.
In the near future, the ministry says it will ask YouTube to hand over a list of Vietnamese channels, and only the certified ones will get a piece of that ad revenue pie.
The New Cybersecurity Law—A Double‑Edged Sword?
Back in January, a controversial law on cybersecurity went live. It demands that firms set up offices right in Vietnam and stash data locally. That makes the government’s job easier—if you’re not careful, your data could end up with a fresh cup of coffee at the Ministry of Information and a subpoena for your employees.
Facebook has already been feeling the heat, raising its content culls by over half a thousand percent in Vietnam before the law hit the ground. And a few weeks into the new regime, the government slapped Facebook with a fine for supposedly letting users post anti‑government comments.
What Companies Should Do
Out right from the ministerial briefing, businesses are urged to actively review their ad spend on social media. The VNA confirmed that the ministry plans to partner with the State Bank of Vietnam and other relevant bodies to keep a close eye on how ad revenue washes over through YouTube and Google.
So in short: If you’re running ads on YouTube in Vietnam, best to double‑check whether your videos are on the “no‑advertise” list or you’ll find yourself and your wallet staring at a new government decree.
Google has not issued a comment yet, but the next time they open their newsroom, perhaps a polite explanation could be in order.
