Speaking at the government's regular monthly press conference for May on June 3, Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Security, provided an update on efforts to combat intellectual property violations.

Toan said protecting intellectual property rights is a routine and ongoing task for law enforcement agencies.

In addition to Official Dispatch No. 38 issued by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Security has also issued Directive No. 38, ordering a nationwide intensive campaign focused on detecting and strictly handling intellectual property violations.

According to Toan, the three-month campaign has already produced significant results after nearly one month of implementation. Police forces at all levels have intensified efforts to improve legal frameworks and strengthen enforcement against intellectual property crimes.

Regarding legal reforms, authorities are reviewing emerging forms of violations and proposing stronger sanctions to enhance deterrence. The Ministry of Public Security is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Justice to prepare two legislative dossiers related to the Law on Handling Administrative Violations and amendments to the Penal Code.

Nationwide enforcement campaign

According to the ministry spokesperson, police have implemented a range of measures to detect and strictly handle intellectual property violations.

Authorities have worked closely with telecommunications service providers to identify and block websites involved in intellectual property infringement.

Over the past month, the Ministry of Public Security has taken action against 194 websites, including eight unauthorized movie-streaming platforms, 27 websites selling products that violated industrial property rights and 159 websites illegally livestreaming football matches.

Police have also coordinated with other enforcement agencies to inspect, detect and handle violations nationwide.

As a result, authorities have prosecuted 56 criminal cases and charged 98 suspects for offenses related to copyright infringement, related rights violations, industrial property rights infringements and the production and sale of counterfeit goods.

In terms of administrative penalties, police have sanctioned approximately 216 individuals, imposing fines totaling more than VND850 million ($32,500).

Toan urged businesses and citizens to comply with legal regulations and actively participate in combating violations.

He said such efforts not only protect individual rights and interests but also contribute to building a disciplined society, a transparent and healthy business environment and a safer cyberspace.

AI-enabled fraud poses growing challenge

Addressing the increasing misuse of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to impersonate individuals through fake images and voices for fraudulent purposes, Toan said rapid technological development presents both opportunities and challenges.

"This is a global issue, not one unique to Vietnam, because cyberspace has no borders. The Ministry of Public Security recognized the threat early and has proactively implemented strong preventive and enforcement measures," he said.

The ministry will continue prioritizing action against cybercrime and high-tech crimes while strictly handling illegal collection and trading of personal data.

Authorities are also urging citizens to remain vigilant online, noting that criminals frequently exploit three key psychological vulnerabilities: fear, emotion and greed.

To reduce risks, citizens are encouraged to strengthen their digital literacy, exercise caution when interacting online, verify information independently and promptly contact authorities when suspicious activities are detected.

Tran Thuong