Vietnam’s New Internet Regulations: A Threat to Freedom of Expression?
Stricter Online Regulations Take Effect
As of Christmas Day, social media users in Vietnam will be required to verify their identities as part of a new internet regulation that has been heavily criticized by critics, who argue that it further undermines freedom of expression in the communist country.
Decree 147: A New Era of Censorship?
The new law, known as Decree 147, compels tech giants operating in Vietnam to store user data, provide it to authorities on request, and remove content deemed "illegal" within 24 hours. This decree builds on a 2018 cybersecurity law that was sharply criticized by the United States, European Union, and internet freedom advocates, who claimed it mimics China’s repressive censorship of the internet.
A History of Suppression
Vietnam’s hardline administration has a track record of swiftly suppressing dissent and arresting critics, particularly those who gain a following on social media. In October, blogger Duong Van Thai, who had nearly 120,000 followers on YouTube, was jailed for 12 years on charges of publishing anti-state information. Months earlier, leading independent journalist Huy Duc, author of one of Vietnam’s most popular blogs, was arrested, with authorities claiming his posts "violated the interests of the state."
Concerns Over Self-Censorship
Critics argue that Decree 147 will also put anonymous dissidents at risk of arrest. "Many people work quietly but effectively in advancing the universal values of human rights," said Ho Chi Minh City-based blogger and rights activist Nguyen Hoang Vi. "The new decree may encourage self-censorship, where people avoid expressing dissenting views to protect their safety – ultimately harming the overall development of democratic values in the country."
Gaming Restrictions
Aside from the implications for social media, the new laws also include curbs on gaming for under-18s, designed to prevent addiction. Game publishers are expected to enforce a time limit of one hour per game session and not more than 180 minutes a day for all games. Nguyen Minh Hieu, a 17-year-old high school student in Hanoi, admitted that the new restrictions would be "really tough" to follow and enforce, given the addictive nature of games.
Consequences for Tech Giants
Under the new laws, tech titans, including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, must verify users’ accounts via their phone numbers or Vietnamese identification numbers, and store that information alongside their full name and date of birth. They must also provide this information on demand to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) or the powerful Ministry of Public Security. The decree also states that only verified accounts can livestream, affecting the growing number of individuals earning a living through social commerce on platforms like TikTok.
Human Rights Watch’s Concerns
Human Rights Watch is calling on the government to repeal the "draconian" new decree, which the campaign group says threatens access to information and freedom of expression. "Vietnam’s new Decree 147 and its other cybersecurity laws neither protect the public from any genuine security concerns nor respect fundamental human rights," said Patricia Gossman, its associate Asia director. "Because the Vietnamese police treat any criticism of the Communist Party of Vietnam as a national security matter, this decree will provide them with yet another tool to suppress dissent."
Conclusion
The implementation of Decree 147 raises concerns about the erosion of freedom of expression in Vietnam, as well as the potential for self-censorship and increased government control over online activities. As the world watches, it remains to be seen whether these new regulations will have a chilling effect on online discourse in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Decree 147, and how will it affect social media users in Vietnam?
Decree 147 is a new internet regulation that compels tech giants to store user data, provide it to authorities on request, and remove content deemed "illegal" within 24 hours. This will affect social media users in Vietnam, who will need to verify their identities and provide personal information to access online platforms. - How will Decree 147 impact gaming in Vietnam?
The new laws will introduce restrictions on gaming for under-18s, including a time limit of one hour per game session and not more than 180 minutes a day for all games. - What is the reaction to Decree 147 from Human Rights Watch?
Human Rights Watch is calling on the government to repeal the "draconian" new decree, which the campaign group says threatens access to information and freedom of expression.