Proposed decree fights ’fake news’

Illustrative image (Source: Internet)

The ministry is gathering opinions from experts and State management offices for a new draft decree that clearly sets out the penalties for offenses in the fields of postal communication, telecommunications, radio, information technology, social networking and cyber security.

Specifically, the draft dictates regulations on violations online and on social networks, according to Le Quang Tu Do, deputy director of the Department of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, at the Ministry.

Do said that the draft marked the first time detailed regulations on the responsibility of individuals when using social networking services had been declared.

According to the draft decree, social network users can be fined between 20 million VND and 30 million VND for disclosing private information of individuals or organisations without prior approval.

Posting materials online, including photos, videos and articles, of a sexual or violent nature would also result in punishment. These violations, and the posting of information contrary to Vietnamese fine customs, would also attract fines of 20 million VND to 30 million VND.

If the users fail to immediately remove the offending material at the request of State agencies, they will be subject to the monetary penalties indicated.   

Under the proposed regulations, social network users who provide false information or offend the prestige of State agencies, organisations and individual will be fined between 30 million VND and 50 million VND.

Users of social networks may be subject to a fine of between 10 million VND and 20 million VND for the use of personal information and images of other people to create new accounts.

If they register personal information incorrectly, posters could be fined between 2 million VND and 5 million VND. 

According to Do, the regulations were designed to match reality, in which the use of social networks is growing rapidly in Vietnam. The number of users connected to some form of social network and the amount of influence these services have are both on the rise. -VNA