Individuals who create or spread false information online may soon face not only financial penalties but also the confiscation of their digital accounts, under a draft decree currently being developed by the Ministry of Public Security.

The proposed regulation on administrative sanctions in the fields of cybersecurity and personal data protection introduces a range of penalties targeting the production and dissemination of fabricated or misleading content that causes public anxiety or disrupts social order.

Under the draft, those who spread false information that creates confusion, undermines social stability, or harms public morals, community health, or incites unlawful behavior may be fined between VND10 million (US$400) and VND20 million (US$800).

Higher penalties, ranging from VND20 million (US$800) to VND30 million (US$1,200), would apply to individuals who create such false content.

The most severe fines, from VND30 million (US$1,200) to VND50 million (US$2,000), would target those who establish or manage websites, social media accounts, groups, or forums specifically to publish or guide others in carrying out these violations.

Notably, in addition to financial penalties, authorities may impose supplementary sanctions, including the confiscation of tools, means, and digital accounts used to commit the violations.

According to Vo Quoc Hung, Growth Director at Tonkin Media, the proposed fine levels are generally appropriate. However, he stressed that additional measures are needed to address individuals with significant online influence, such as KOLs and influencers.

He argued that the impact of misinformation depends heavily on the reach of the person sharing it. While a regular user may only affect a limited circle, influencers with hundreds of thousands or even millions of followers can amplify false information exponentially, potentially triggering public panic, damaging corporate reputations, or destabilizing society.

Hung also pointed to the financial motivations behind such behavior. Some influencers deliberately spread sensational or misleading content to maintain engagement, boost viewership, and attract advertising or sales opportunities - effectively profiting from information disorder.

In such cases, fines of VND20-30 million (US$800-1,200) may be insufficient, as some individuals can earn hundreds of millions or even billions of VND each month, making penalties negligible compared to their income.

Despite stricter standards adopted by many major brands when selecting partners, gaps remain that allow unethical influencers to continue operating.

Hung suggested that beyond monetary fines, stronger enforcement tools should be considered. These could include banning violators from platforms, restricting their media appearances, or introducing official “whitelists” and “blacklists” managed by the Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism.

Such measures, he argued, would have a far greater deterrent effect than financial penalties alone, particularly for individuals whose influence and income depend heavily on public visibility.

The draft decree reflects growing concern over the scale and consequences of misinformation in the digital space, as authorities seek more effective ways to safeguard public trust and social stability.

Le My