VietNamNet Bridge – Many blogs and Facebook pages of Party and State leaders are fake, Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Information Truong Minh Tuan tells the media about the issue.

What do you think about the Party and State leaders' names being used in social media networks?

Most social networks do not have a system to clarify users' real names. Users can choose any name they like for their accounts. Therefore, assuming another person's name is very easy. In fact, there are a number of blogs and private Facebook pages under the names of Party and State leaders. I confirm that they are all fake. Party and State leaders don't have blogs or private Facebook pages. As a result, all information on such blogs and Facebook pages are not formal information from the State or from the leaders.

Anyone who engages in this activity must take responsibility before the law.

Do you have any warning for social network users?

Social media networks are now popular in Viet Nam and around the world. This is one way to connect with friends and share information. Users should find formal information sources and determine what is accurate. They must pay attention to their privacy and violation of others' privacy. Each individual must take responsibility for their information before law. Assuming the names of State and Party leaders on social networks with bad intentions is very dangerous. I advise social network users to heighten their vigilance and be aware of fake names.

How can users determine which politicians' blogs or private Facebook pages are real or fake?

Social networks in concept are an "unreal world". So we should not speak about what is real or not, but we should pay attention to whether it is legal or illegal. To determine whether the information source is formal or informal, users should consider if it is an organization or State office. Social networks should be considered as one way to share information for reference; those who spread inaccurate information will suffer punishment.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien recently announced her private Facebook page, which has been well-received. Does the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information have any technical protection for her page?

That is a good sign, but as I mentioned before, all official information must be provided under State regulations, not through social networks. As a representative of the State management office on information, we respect all personal speech.

Many State leaders are using social media to connect with people. Do you have any suggestions for them?

State offices should take advantage of the strength of social media, which can transmit information quickly. State leaders should use their private social networks in close connection with related State office websites to publish official information, and listen to and exchange information with the public. In addition, links of official websites can be shared through social media. For private usage, State leaders can use social media to connect with relatives and friends.

Do you have your own Facebook page? What can we get from using social media?

In my opinion, I like social media. I have my own Facebook page and often use this. This is my connection channel with my friends and relatives. Using social media helps me to maintain relationships with relatives and friends.

VNS