New regulations requiring social media giants Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and share personal data with authorities have come under fire as part of Vietnam's latest crackdown on online expression. These rules, encapsulated within Decree 147, went live on December 25 and have raised alarms among activists who see them as yet another tool for stifling dissent.
Under Decree 147, all tech companies operating within the country are now obligated to verify users’ accounts using either their phone numbers or Vietnamese identity numbers. They must also store comprehensive user information—including full names, birth dates— and are required to supply this data to authorities upon request. The decree demands content deemed “illegal” by the government be removed within 24 hours, which critics argue significantly limits free speech.
Critics claim these measures will primarily silence dissent and curtail political discourse online. Activist Dang Thi Hue stated, “Decree 147 will be used to publicly suppress those with different viewpoints,” emphasizing the obscure distinction between legal and illegal speech according to the government. Le Anh Hung, a former political prisoner, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the environment of fear it creates: “No one wants to go to jail, so of course some activists will be more cautious and afraid of this decree.”
These concerns are set against the backdrop of Vietnam's recent history of stringent cyber laws. Decree 147 builds upon the controversial 2018 cybersecurity law, which faced sharp criticism from international advocates for internet freedom, including entities from the United States and the European Union. Critics argue it mirrors China’s repressive internet censorship practices, fostering an atmosphere of self-censorship and restricting the free flow of information.
The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), overseeing the implementation of these regulations, has stated the decree is intended to maintain social order, national security, and sovereignty within the digital space. Le Quang Tu Do, representing the MIC, affirmed this point, highlighting how regulation aims to govern behavior within cyberspace.
Social media is massively integrated within Vietnam, with the MIC estimating about 65 million users on Facebook, 60 million on YouTube, and 20 million on TikTok. These platforms now face strict obligations to comply with the new rules. For example, they must also report on user engagement metrics, including total visits from Vietnam and regular user counts. The decree challenges existing internet freedoms and poses significant questions about how tech companies will manage user privacy.
The new rules don’t stop there; they extend far beyond social media. The decree also aims to regulate online gaming, restricting players under 18 by imposing time limits on gaming sessions—one hour per session and no more than 180 minutes daily. This move is supposedly aimed at curbing addiction among young gamers and reducing the exposure of children to addictive online content.
While some officials may see these regulations as necessary for safeguarding younger audiences, they concurrently reflect the tightening grip the Vietnamese government has on digital expression. Human Rights Watch has already dubbed Decree 147 “draconian,” calling for its repeal on grounds it fails to respect fundamental rights. Patricia Gossman, HRW's associate director for Asia, articulated concerns noting how the decree equips Vietnamese law enforcement with another tool to silence critics: “Vietnam’s new decree will provide them with yet another tool to suppress dissent.”
The ramifications of the decree are felt broadly across the digital landscapes, altering how citizens engage with online content and potentially shaping the discourse. This situation has prompted many to voice their concerns about the future of free expression and the ability of ordinary citizens to engage with societal issues without fear of reprisal.
On the ground, reactions to the decree appear mixed. At online gaming cafes, young people, seemingly unaware of the new regulations, continue their recreational habits as normal, indicating the disconnect between governmental policy and everyday practice. One teenager quipped, “I just keep playing, and as you see, it still works,” exhibiting nonchalance toward the decree's intentions.
Vigilant activists and critics are concerned about the broader consequences of such legislation for the future of digital rights and freedom of expression within Vietnam. The growing scrutiny over this decree may represent the first stages of significant civil resistance against what many perceive as increasingly authoritarian measures.
The debate surrounding Decree 147 raises pressing questions about the balance between state security and individual liberties and how nations navigate the challenges posed by digital innovation and control over vast and varied online spaces.
With growing global awareness and calls for accountability from international human rights organizations, the developments surrounding Decree 147 signal pivotal moments for Vietnam's digital future, encapsulating the clash between increasingly stringent governmental controls and the population's aspiration for a more open digital environment.
