The government recently issued Decree 174/2026/NĐ-CP on administrative penalties in the fields of postal services, telecommunications, radio frequencies, electronic transactions and information technology. The decree will take effect on July 1, 2026.

One provision attracting significant public attention concerns penalties for violations related to online information and social media activity.

Under Article 95 on responsibilities when using social networking services, Clause 1(d) states that social media platforms providing or sharing journalistic works, literary and artistic works or publications without permission from intellectual property rights holders - or content that has not been licensed for circulation, has been banned or confiscated - may face fines ranging from VND20 million to VND30 million ($770-$1,150).

The regulation has prompted questions from many social media users over whether sharing links to news articles from official media outlets could be considered a violation.

Others are asking whether quoting part of a news article while attaching a link on social media would also fall within the scope of the regulation.

There are also concerns surrounding cases in which social media accounts republish or repurpose journalistic content, particularly exclusive reporting from news organizations.

Speaking with VietNamNet, a representative from the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the agency plans to organize a conference in July to introduce and explain the electronic information provisions of Decree 174/2026/NĐ-CP.

The Copyright Office of Vietnam will co-chair the event, where questions and concerns related to the decree are expected to be addressed in detail.

In addition to the provisions related to copyrighted content, Decree 174/2026/NĐ-CP also introduces several new regulations concerning online information violations and raises penalties for a number of offenses.

For example, individuals spreading fake news or false information deemed serious could face fines of up to VND50 million ($1,930), compared with the previous maximum fine of VND20 million ($770) under Decree 15/2020/NĐ-CP.

Similarly, penalties tied to violations involving social media responsibilities have also increased. Under the previous decree, the maximum fine for such offenses was VND30 million ($1,150), while some violations under the new regulation can now carry penalties of up to VND50 million.

Le My