On November 9, the government promulgated Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP on the management, provision, and use of Internet services and online information. The decree will take effect on December 25, 2024.  

One key update in this decree revises licensing conditions for domestic social networks.  

Previously, any enterprise wishing to provide social networking services in Vietnam had to apply for a license. However, Decree 147 introduces new classifications for domestic social networks based on traffic and user activity levels.  

 Key Provisions  

1. Classification by User Activity  

   - High-Traffic Social Networks: Platforms with monthly visits exceeding 10,000 (based on a six-month rolling average) or with more than 1,000 regular monthly users must apply for a social network service license.  

   - Low-Traffic Social Networks: Platforms with monthly visits below 10,000 or fewer than 1,000 regular users need only notify the authorities and obtain a confirmation certificate.  

2. Monitoring and Compliance  

   All social networks must integrate with the Ministry of Information and Communications’ monitoring system for tracking user activity and access statistics.  

3. Data Privacy Restrictions  

   Domestic platforms are prohibited from using user information for promotional purposes or sharing it with third parties without explicit consent.  

4. Content Limitations  

   Social networks may not produce or publish journalistic-style content such as reports, investigations, or interviews without authorization.  

5. Violation Handling  

   Domestic social networks must:  

   - Remove information or services violating Article 8 of the Cybersecurity Law within 24 hours of detection.  

   - Act promptly on orders from the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Public Security, and other competent agencies to block or remove unlawful content, following requests made via phone, written notice, or electronic means.  

Le My