Vietnam - November 2022

Vietnam announced stricter regulations on social media platforms on 4 November, including the removal of ‘fake news’ within 24 hours and ‘sensitive information’ within three hours. The move follows the implementation of a cybersecurity law in 2019 and national guidelines on social media behavior in 2020. 

This is part of a larger trend of tightening control over the internet by increasing online censorship, issuing harsh fines and prison sentences for the supposed misuse of social media, collecting citizens' data and compelling international tech giants to comply with the government's mounting requirements. The government has also attempted to suppress news of the recent protests in China, with videos and news being spread on social media to prevent similar expressions of dissent in Vietnam and to avoid upsetting relations with China.

Sources: The Sun Daily, The Diplomat, Reuters, Radio Free Asia