The regulation is part of Government Decree No. 174/2026 governing administrative sanctions in the fields of postal services, telecommunications, radio frequencies, electronic transactions and information technology.

Under the decree, individuals who use social media platforms to spread fabricated, misleading or defamatory information that damages the reputation of organizations or individuals may face fines ranging from VND 20 million to VND 30 million ($785-$1,175).

The same penalties apply to content promoting social evils, prostitution, human trafficking, obscene materials or information considered harmful to traditional cultural values, social ethics and public health, provided the violations do not rise to the level of criminal prosecution.

Authorities may also sanction users who share graphic violent content, horror imagery or detailed depictions of killings and accidents.

The decree further targets the unauthorized sharing of journalistic works, literary and artistic productions or publications protected by intellectual property rights, as well as advertising or promoting banned goods and services.

Social media account owners, content channel operators, community page administrators and group moderators may also be fined if they fail to remove illegal content upon request from competent authorities.

More severe penalties of between VND 30 million and VND 50 million ($1,175-$1,960) will apply to individuals accused of distorting history, denying revolutionary achievements, undermining national unity, insulting religions or engaging in gender and racial discrimination online.

The highest fine bracket also covers the disclosure of state secrets, personal privacy information and other protected confidential materials if the acts are not serious enough for criminal charges.

In addition, users who share false information that causes public panic, harms socio-economic activities or obstructs the operations of state agencies or public officials may face penalties of up to VND 50 million.

The decree will officially take effect on July 1.

The move comes amid growing efforts by Vietnamese authorities to strengthen regulation of digital platforms and combat misinformation online.

In March, Hanoi police fined a woman for posting false information on social media, according to an image released alongside the announcement of the new decree.

The government has recently proposed establishing a national center dedicated to combating fake news and false information, while also calling on social media platforms to proactively scan for and remove harmful or misleading content.

Tran Thuong