Vingroup’s legal action marks a bold step toward protecting corporate integrity in the digital age.
Vingroup’s decision to file lawsuits against 68 individuals and organizations accused of spreading false information about the company online has stirred public attention. In a society built on the rule of law, decisive actions like these are not only justified but essential.
This is not just Vingroup’s story
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son. Photo: VNN
The legal complaint filed by Vingroup targeting 68 individuals and entities for spreading false and defamatory content online is not an isolated case. Numerous companies have previously been victims of malicious rumors circulated on social media.
In January, the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications fined two individuals for posting fabricated, slanderous content that defamed an executive of Vietjet Aviation on social media.
Speaking to VietNamNet, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a standing member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education, described Vingroup’s decision as “decisive, timely, and absolutely necessary.”
According to Dr. Son, in today’s digital landscape where information spreads in seconds, any unverified rumor can trigger a dangerous chain reaction, with wide-reaching consequences for businesses and society at large.
Thus, Vingroup’s choice to pursue legal action sends a clear message: there will be no compromise with falsehoods, no silence in the face of slander, and no tolerance for reputational attacks - especially when a company’s credibility is one of its most valuable assets.
More importantly, Dr. Son emphasized, this legal step goes beyond corporate interest. It carries significant social implications, setting a precedent that encourages individuals and other organizations to stand up for their integrity and the truth.
“In a society governed by the rule of law, we need more assertive actions like this to deter those who treat social media as a gray zone - where anything can be said, and any lie can be used for personal gain or to manipulate public perception,” Dr. Son stated.
He stressed that this case is not just about Vingroup - it’s a broader lesson for the entire society in this digital era.
Using legal means to confront misinformation sends a powerful message: we cannot allow those who twist and fabricate facts to shape public opinion at the expense of truth, justice, and collective trust.
“Vingroup’s lawsuit reflects a spirit of 'fighting for the truth,' and I believe it will receive strong public support from those who desire a cleaner, more civil, transparent, and fair online environment,” he added.
A warning against the “hot news, fast share” mindset
Many individuals and businesses have become victims of damaging rumors on social media. Photo: VNN
Dr. Bui Hoai Son believes this case should serve as a wake-up call regarding the responsible use of cyberspace. While social media offers a fast, accessible platform for information exchange, its dark side becomes evident when users lack responsibility, fall prey to herd mentality, or spread unchecked rumors.
The reality is that many netizens are quicker to “share hot news” than to verify facts. With a single click, they may share, comment, or even add personal speculation - often without fully considering the consequences.
This thirst for sensationalism, a desire for attention, or simply a habit of casual joking online has turned many users into unwitting “victims and accomplices” in the spread of fake news. This reflects a troubling gap between current online behavior and the standards expected in a law-abiding and civilized society.
On a deeper level, Dr. Son said the willingness of some social media users to fabricate or distort information about businesses, individuals, or even government policies also reflects a troubling level of legal indifference.
Many believe social media is their personal domain - a space for free speech without accountability. Others view spreading fake news as “harmless,” forgetting that one careless click can destroy the reputation of a person or an organization.
Worse yet, fake news spreads much faster and further than corrections. This is a stark paradox in today’s digital age: lies travel swiftly, while the truth lags behind.
Vingroup’s experience exemplifies this phenomenon: false claims regarding its financials, products, and leadership spread rapidly across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube before the company could issue any official response.
This underscores an urgent societal need: enhancing awareness and responsibility in digital behavior. Each person must understand that they are not just a user of social media but also a digital citizen, accountable for their words, actions, and even clicks.
“Only when this sense of responsibility is widespread will social media become a truly civilized, healthy space that supports development rather than spreads instability,” Dr. Bui Hoai Son concluded.
Vietnamnet.vn
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