The new Decree 147/2024/ND-CP on the management, provision, and use of Internet services and online information officially comes into effect today, December 25, 2024.

The decree introduces 84 articles across four chapters, bringing significant updates to the management and use of Internet services and online information in Vietnam.

Key updates on social media management

Under the decree, government agencies and local authorities are now tasked with managing online information within their jurisdiction.

Provisions have been added to regulate electronic information sites and social media platforms more effectively. These include guidelines on removing violating content within 24 hours, suspending or permanently locking accounts and pages that repeatedly violate regulations, and requiring user accounts to be verified with phone numbers or personal identification.

Only verified accounts are allowed to post, comment, livestream, or share information on social media platforms. Additionally, platform administrators are responsible for overseeing content uploaded and managing comments on their pages.

Social media platforms must provide verification (e.g., blue checkmarks) for official accounts of organizations, businesses, and influential individuals in Vietnam. They must also monitor and remove illegal content, prohibit users under 16 from creating accounts, and make content-distribution algorithms transparent to users.

Foreign-based platforms with servers in Vietnam or exceeding 100,000 monthly visits must notify Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications about their contact details.

Licensing and compliance

Domestic websites and social media platforms must obtain proper licensing. Those with over 10,000 visits per month or 1,000 regular users must apply for operational licenses, while smaller platforms only need a confirmation certificate.

Aggregated electronic news sites are restricted from publishing content less than one hour after the original source. Such sites are only allowed to produce content in specific fields, and the linked original news outlets bear responsibility for content accuracy.

The decree streamlines licensing for online games, reducing unnecessary procedures and shortening evaluation times. It also prohibits licensing for casino-style games or those featuring playing card imagery.

The authority to issue certification for games G2, G3, and G4 has been delegated to local Departments of Information and Communications.

The decree moves regulations on managing mobile network content services from circulars to decrees for higher enforcement authority. The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority will oversee registration and licensing for mobile content services.

These changes aim to enhance digital governance, ensure user accountability, and protect customers while fostering fairness among domestic and international providers.

Le My