Vietnam enforced new internet regulations on Wednesday that require social media platforms to verify user identities and share data with authorities. The rules have raised alarm among activists who say they are a serious infringement on freedom of expression. Under the new decree, tech companies operating in Vietnam must verify user accounts using Vietnamese phone numbers or ID numbers.
They must collect users’ full names and birth dates. The platforms have to provide this data to the government if asked. They also must remove any content the government considers “illegal” within 24 hours.
Critics warn the measures will mainly silence dissenting voices and restrict political discussions online. The decree also says social media companies must report user engagement data, like how many regular users they have from Vietnam. This expands the government’s monitoring of digital communications.
The new rules mark a big shift from policies in place for over ten years.
Vietnam’s new internet regulations tighten
The regulations are broad, covering many aspects of internet services.
They impose stricter requirements on both Vietnamese and foreign providers in the country. Decree 147 continues a trend in Vietnam of the government trying to control digital communications. It claims this is to protect national security and social order.
Many activists worry the decree will be used to crack down on differing views. They point out the potential for more surveillance and censorship. Dang Thi Hue, an activist with 28,000 Facebook followers, wrote: “Decree 147 will be used to publicly suppress those with different viewpoints.” Former political prisoner Le Anh Hung said it was “the latest sign of an infringement on basic freedoms” with “a vague line between what is legal and what is not.”
“No one wants to go to jail, so of course, some activists will be more cautious and afraid of this decree,” he added.
In October, independent Vietnamese blogger Duong Van Thai was jailed for 12 years on charges of anti-state propaganda. Several human rights groups have urged Vietnam to reconsider the regulations. They argue the rules restrict access to information and free speech.
As global attention on digital rights grows, Vietnam’s latest decree highlights the ongoing tension between government control and individual rights online.
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