Criticism Mounts Over Vietnam's New Social Media Law

Vietnam has introduced a controversial new legal framework aimed at tightening controls over social media platforms. According to a report published by the human rights-focused 88 Project, the new decree affords Vietnamese authorities greater ability to curb dissent and manage the dissemination of news.

The decree, known as 'Decree 147,' came into force this December, targeting major social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and TikTok. The aim, as stated by Ben Swanton, a contributor to the 88 Project report, is to further suppress critiques against the state.

Government Narrative and Control

Swanton highlighted Vietnam's perceived threats from any challenges to the government's narrative, expressing concern over the increasing control. He detailed how users must now authenticate their accounts using phone numbers or national ID cards, data the government can access on demand. Furthermore, social media companies are required to store data locally.

This new law limits users’ unofficial news activities and prohibits sharing allegations of government misconduct. It demands social networks take down unlawful content within a day and grants authorities access to internal search tools to identify violations.

Compliance and Company Reactions

Social media corporations are given a deadline until the end of March to align with these requirements. Notably, TikTok and Facebook declined to discuss their compliance strategy, while X and Google have remained silent on their plans. Researchers have observed a notable drop in political dialogue likely due to these looming regulations.

The move appears to further a chilling effect, which has already led to the imprisonment or forced exile of key independent journalists and activists in Vietnam.

Impact on the Population

With approximately 65 million active Facebook users in Vietnam, representing around two-thirds of the nation's population, and 35 million YouTube users, the implications of this decree are substantial. A significant portion of Vietnamese citizens rely on these platforms for news, bringing further concern about information accessibility.

Historically, the government has swiftly censored content it deems problematic, exemplified by the censorship of a viral video featuring a minister dining opulently during a COVID-19 lockdown.

Legal Consequences for Dissent

The decree also appears to be strengthening tools for suppressing not only content creators but also passive consumers of sensitive content. There was an incident where authorities scrutinized a Facebook group and called on identified members to cease their involvement.

If fully enacted, 'Decree 147' could streamline the targeting of these groups, with the potential to block perceived anti-state material effectively.

Calls for Action

Advocates are urging major tech companies and global institutions, including the United States and the United Nations, to resist elements of the decree that infringe on freedom of expression and to petition for its repeal.