According to MIC, there are 1,952 domestic news websites and 935 social networks licensed, with10 social networks of over 1 million followers and 27 with monthly page views of at least 1 million.

News sites and social networks act as the arms of press agencies, helping spread authentic information in cyberspace. However, news sites and social networks acting like newspapers have caused frustration to the public. 

‘Newspaperization’ is defined as magazines, news sites and social networks operating like newspapers, going beyond their functions, principles and purposes defined in their licenses.

MIC has taken urgent measures to solve this situation. The ministry has issued legal documents requesting tightening of licensing, inspections and operations of organizations and businesses establishing news websites and social networks.

MIC will not grant licenses to news websites and social networks with domain names using words which may lead to misunderstanding that the social networks are press agencies. It also requests businesses to commit to not produce articles and publish them on their news websites and social networks.

MIC’s Information and Communications Departments have compiled a list of news websites and social networks with manifestations of "newspaperization" and inspected news sites and social networks to handle violations, suspend publication and revoke licenses of those with repeated violations.

MIC has organized regular meetings with news sites and social networks. It has launched an app connecting to news websites and social networks through which it regularly warns, corrects and highlights the manifestations of their violations.

Systems collecting and assessing information in violation of cyberspace have been established, including the National Cybersecurity Monitoring Center, Vietnam Anti Fake News Centre, Hotline system and IT facilities (email, messaging apps...).

The violations include acts of spreading of fake news, untruthful news, insulting the honor and dignity of organizations, businesses and individuals, use of offensive language, breaking fine customs and traditions, and advertising illegal products and services.

In January-September 2022, MIC detected 134 domain names which may lead to misunderstanding, and 14 domain names with signs of running ads for electronic gambling games.

Trong Dat