Decree 342/2025, recently issued by the government, outlines detailed provisions of the Advertising Law - specifically for digital advertising. It officially comes into force on February 15, 2026.

According to the decree, online platforms are required to limit the unskippable duration of video and moving image ads to no more than 5 seconds.

This means digital service providers can no longer force viewers to endure unskippable ads longer than five seconds. Some providers currently offer "non-skippable" video ad formats ranging from 7 to 30 seconds, depending on the package and device.

The regulation also applies to static image ads. Advertisers must not force viewers to wait to dismiss or skip static banners.

Another key provision is a stricter rule for non-fixed-position ads, such as pop-up windows. These ads appear while users are reading content, partially or completely blocking the screen.

Decree 342/2025 mandates that such pop-up ads must not use fake or hard-to-detect close buttons. Users must be able to dismiss them with a single, clear interaction.

Furthermore, online advertisements must now include visible icons and clear instructions allowing users to report illegal content, opt out of certain ad types, or choose not to see inappropriate ads.

The decree also places responsibility on advertisers, advertising service providers, ad content distributors, and publishers to remove any ad deemed illegal no later than 24 hours after being requested to do so by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or other competent authorities under the relevant laws.

Failure to comply will prompt enforcement action: the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Public Security will apply technical measures to block unlawful ads and services and take further legal steps if necessary.

Telecommunication companies and Internet service providers are also required to restrict access to illegal ads or advertising services within 24 hours of receiving a formal request from the authorities.

 
Hanh Nguyen