New regulations set to take effect on December 25, 2024, will require all social media accounts, including those on Facebook, to undergo verification using either phone numbers or personal identification numbers. This move by the Vietnamese government aims to tackle issues like fraud and misinformation which have plagued social media platforms, particularly due to the anonymity offered to users.
According to the newly issued Nghị định 147/2024/NĐ-CP, individuals without verified accounts will lose the ability to post, comment, or live stream. This measure has seen significant attention from various stakeholders, especially those involved with the management and daily operations of social media platforms. Mr. Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, emphasized the importance of this regulation, stating, "This regulation aims to limit the anonymous users who commit fraud, disseminate false information, and engage in other illegal acts." This statement, reported by Phu Nu So, signifies the seriousness with which the Vietnamese government views users' conduct online.
Social media users need to comply with these new verification requirements swiftly to avoid disruptions. For those using Facebook, the process for confirming one’s phone number as part of account verification on their computers involves several simple steps.
To get started on Facebook’s desktop interface, users should navigate to the control center. Here’s how to complete the verification process:
- Access the control center of Facebook.
- Click on Personal Information followed by Contact Information.
- Select Add New Contact Information > Add Mobile Number.
- Input your phone number ensuring to change the prefix to reflect Vietnam’s dialing code.
- Choose the account you wish to verify and click Continue.
- Remember, the phone number used for verification must be registered under your name and active. Facebook will send an OTP (one-time password) to the phone number or linked email, which users must then enter to finalize the verification.
For mobile users who prefer to verify their accounts directly through their smartphones, the process is equally straightforward. Here’s how you can do it using the Facebook app on your iPhone:
- Open the Facebook application and access the menu.
- Select Settings & Privacy, then navigate to the Privacy Center.
- Tap on Personal Information and choose to add Contact Information.
- Choose Add Mobile Number to enter your phone details.
- Once again, you must enter your mobile phone number, navigate through the prompts, and enter the OTP sent to complete the verification.
Completing these verification steps not only aligns with the legal requirements set forth by authorities but also enhances your social media account's security. By ensuring your identity is verified, users can protect themselves against potential security breaches and unauthorized access.
Authorities urge users to finish the verification process as soon as possible to prevent any interruptions. The new regulation reflects Vietnam's commitment to improving the accountability of social media users and creating a safer online environment. This is seen as part of broader efforts to regulate digital spaces amid growing concerns over misinformation and online fraud.
To conclude, social media users should act swiftly to comply with the new laws. Engaging with social media responsibly and ensuring personal accountability not only enhances user experience but also contributes to the collective effort against online irregularities.
