The Vietnamese government is set to roll out significant changes to how social media accounts are regulated within the country. On November 9, 2024, it announced Decree No. 147/2024/NĐ-CP, aimed at managing the provision and use of internet services, including social media. This decree will come fully effective on December 25, 2024, following a 90-day transition period for implementation.
A central element of the decree is its strict requirement for verification of social media accounts. All foreign entities providing cross-border information and domestic social media service providers must authenticate the accounts of their users by utilizing Vietnamese mobile phone numbers. If users do not possess such numbers, they may verify their accounts using personal identification numbers instead. This policy seeks to prevent abuse of social media platforms by ensuring only verified accounts can post, comment, or livestream content.
"Only those accounts have been verified can post information (write posts, comments, livestream) and share information on social media," states the official release of Decree No. 147/2024/NĐ-CP. This provision is intended to create accountability and traceability within social media interactions.
For users engaging with features such as livestreaming for commercial purposes, additional layers of verification apply. These users must verify their accounts via their personal identification numbers, highlighting the government's attempt to regulate commercial transparency on social media.
The legal framework established by this decree binds both domestic and international entities involved with internet services, emphasizing the Vietnamese government's commitment to curtailing the spread of disinformation and protecting online safety. The Ministry of Information and Communications, along with the Ministry of Public Security, will oversee the enforcement mechanisms associated with this new regulation.
"After the 90-day transition, social media accounts must be verified by their Vietnamese mobile numbers," reiterated government officials. This statement lays the groundwork for social media platforms to adapt swiftly to avoid potential penalties or restrictions.
Notably, the decree also addresses the usage of social media by minors. For children under 16 years of age, parents or legal guardians are required to register accounts using their own information. This clause enforces parental oversight over what children post or share online, aiming to protect the younger demographic from potential online risks.
The decree outlines clear criteria for social media providers, mandatorily requiring them to have content management and technical management teams comprising local personnel. This stipulation is expected to bolster the legitimacy and responsiveness of social media companies operating within Vietnam.
Regarding technical requirements, platforms must have systems capable of storing user information for at least two years—including login times and IP addresses. This requirement not only aids regulatory measures but also allows for historical tracking of user interactions and content posting.
Decree No. 147/2024/NĐ-CP mandates the initiation of measures to monitor and intercept illegal information. The regulations dictate how telecommunications and internet service providers are to engage with the government for both reporting and deterring infractions of the law.
The government’s endeavor also extends to establishing mechanisms for real-time monitoring and compliance checks within network infrastructures to apprehend violations swiftly, such as intellectual property breaches and unauthorized online content. Social media companies will be held accountable for facilitating such revisions and ensuring lawful operations.
Going forward, privacy standards will evolve amid these regulatory changes, raising questions about the balance between safeguarding personal data and ensuring public compliance. Preliminary assessments indicate these enforcement measures may lead to a more secure but potentially restrictive online environment, with significant repercussions for user autonomy on social media platforms.
With only weeks until the mandate takes full effect, social media companies operating within Vietnam are urged to brace for compliance, emphasizing the importance of reframing strategies to align with the new governmental expectations. The upcoming decree sets forth not just legal frameworks but potential templates for how global social media can navigate diverse regulatory landscapes.
The steps taken by the Vietnamese government reflect broader global trends toward increased accountability for social media providers and users alike, underlining the necessity for regulation amid growing concerns over misinformation and online safety. Industry stakeholders should prepare for adaptive strategies to thrive under the new regime.
