Vietnam Enforces Decree 147, Tightening Internet Regulations

Vietnam has enacted a new internet law (Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP) that tightens restrictions on online content. Effective 25th December 2024, the legislation mandates swift content removal by tech companies and expands government oversight of digital platforms.

The new law, passed earlier in 2024, requires platforms like Facebook and YouTube to remove content deemed illegal within 24 hours. Failure to comply could result in fines or operational restrictions. Authorities stated the law is necessary to protect national security and maintain social order.

The bill obliges foreign companies to store user data and disclose it upon request. It also mandates verifying user accounts through Vietnamese phone numbers or identification numbers and storing this information, too.

Furthermore, only verified accounts are permitted to livestream for commercial purposes. The bill also introduces online gaming time limits for players under 18 — minors can only play games for a maximum of 180 minutes per day, split into 3 1-hour sessions.

Critics argue the law gives officials excessive control over online expression, especially in a country with limited press freedom and where journalists face the risk of long prison sentences.

Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, expressed to DW News: "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.”

Other prominent voices that have spoken out against the new rules are political activist Dang Thi Hue and former political prisoner Le Anh Hung.

Freedom House has cited government impositions like these as contributing to the 14th consecutive annual decline in Global Internet Freedom.