The Vietnamese government has officially issued Decree 147/2024/NĐ-CP, which mandates the verification of social media accounts for all users as part of its effort to regulate internet services and information dissemination.
Taking effect from December 25, 2024, the decree necessitates organizations, enterprises, and individuals providing cross-border information to Vietnam, as well as local social media service providers, to authenticate users' accounts within 90 days.
The verification process will primarily require users to provide their Vietnam-based mobile phone numbers. If a user does not possess such a number, they may authenticate their account using their national identification number. The decree specifies clear guidelines to facilitate the verification process.
Notably, these rules extend to social media accounts engaging in commercial livestreaming, where foreign entities offering social networking services must also verify accounts using personal identification numbers. The government aims to restrict posting and sharing of information to only verified accounts, reinforcing the decree's primary objective of minimizing misinformation spread.
The implementation of these regulations is viewed as part of Vietnam's broader governmental efforts to manage online information and maintain public order on social platforms. This follows growing concerns over the rapid spread of false information and the influence of social media on public perception.
The decree emphasizes the significance of user verification, particularly as social media platforms continue to play integral roles in business, communication, and information sharing among Vietnamese citizens. By requiring verification, authorities believe they can improve accountability within the digital space.
While the measures are intended to create a responsible online environment, they have also sparked discussions on privacy and freedom of expression. Critics are voicing concerns about the potential overreach of the government and the impact these regulations may have on users' online interactions.
Foreign service providers will face the challenge of adapting to these requirements as they strive to comply with local regulations, making it necessary for global platforms to reassess their policies when operating in Vietnam.
Industry experts suggest this move could set precedents for other countries seeking to impose similar regulations, indicating growing trends toward internet governance worldwide.
The government's spokesperson stated, "Social media accounts must be verified using mobile phone numbers to prevent the spread of false information," highlighting the urgency of the new measures.
Overall, Decree 147/2024/NĐ-CP marks Vietnam's decisive step toward tighter control over social media platforms. Its success will largely hinge on cooperation between users and service providers as everyone adapts to these upcoming changes.
