New decree amends social network-related regulations

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued Decree 27/2018/ND-CP, amending and supplementing some articles of Decree 72/2013/ND-CP on the management, supply and use of Internet services and online information.

One of the supplements deals with regulations on managing information contents for electronic portals, and social networks.

For the social network, the decree regulates that terms and conditions of the provision and use of social networks must be posted on the homepage of social networks, and users must agree with those terms and conditions before being able to use services and utilities available on social networks.

Providers of social network are requested to have measures to protect personal information of users and ensure their right to decide whether or not to allow the collection and provision of their personal information to other organisations, businesses and individuals.

Social networks are also required to have mechanisms enabling the removal of contents violating Clause 1 of Article 5 of Decree 72/2013/ND-CP three hours at the latest after self-detecting the violation or at the request of the Ministry of Information and Communication or licensing agencies either in written form or by telephone or email.

Regarding integrated electronic portals, Decree 27 requires them to put in place management procedures for public information, including defining the scope of information exploitation; management mechanism; and checking the accuracy of information before and after posting. The portals must also have mechanisms to enabling the removal of contents violating Clause 1 of Article 5 of Decree 72/2013/ND-CP three hours at the latest after self-detecting the violation or at the request of the Ministry of Information and Communication or licensing agencies either in written form or by telephone or email.

The amended decree also updates regulations relating to personnel for the operation of integrated electronic portals and social networks.

The decree will take effect on April 15.-VNA