Vietnam Tightens Grip on Social Media with New User Verification Rules
On December 25th, Vietnam implemented new internet regulations requiring Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and hand over data to authorities. Critics view this as a blatant attack on freedom of expression.
Under "Decree 147," all tech giants operating in Vietnam must verify user accounts using phone numbers or Vietnamese identification numbers. This information, along with users' full names and dates of birth, must be stored and provided to authorities upon request. Additionally, any content deemed "illegal" by the government must be removed within 24 hours.
Activists and human rights groups are deeply concerned about the potential for censorship and suppression under these new rules. They fear that the vague definition of "illegal" content could be used to silence dissent and criticism of the government.
The decree also mandates that only verified accounts can livestream, potentially impacting the growing number of individuals earning a living through social commerce on platforms like TikTok.
In addition to the social media regulations, the new laws also include restrictions on gaming for individuals under 18 years old. Game publishers must enforce a time limit of one hour per session and a maximum of 180 minutes per day across all games.
These regulations come amidst a backdrop of high social media penetration in Vietnam. The Ministry of Information and Communications estimates that the country has approximately 65 million Facebook users, 60 million YouTube users, and 20 million TikTok users. This widespread adoption of social media platforms makes the potential impact of the new regulations even more significant.
9 Comments
Loubianka
This decree is a clear violation of human rights. We should be able to express our opinions freely without fear of retribution.
Muchacho
We have to trust our government to make the right call. They are trying to protect citizens in a digital age.
Coccinella
What’s next, government monitoring of our private messages? This is a slippery slope towards total surveillance!
Bella Ciao
If the government needs our IDs to use social media, that’s a huge red flag. They are prioritizing control over safety.
Comandante
These rules will ultimately create a healthier digital space, especially for vulnerable populations.
Michelangelo
These rules do not protect citizens; they stifle voices and reduce public discourse to nothing but government propaganda.
Leonardo
Vietnam's government is clearly more interested in censorship than in contributing to a free and fair online ecosystem.
Donatello
How can the government justify invading people's privacy? This is just another way to control the narrative!
Raphael
Why should social media platforms be responsible for policing our words? This is a dangerous precedent to set.