Vietnam has introduced new regulations requiring social media users to verify their accounts with phone numbers, further supporting the country's push for robust digital governance.
Decree 147 took effect on December 25, 2024, and builds upon Vietnam's updated national identity system and outlines detailed requirements for social media usage.
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The new rules mandate users to verify their accounts using Vietnamese phone numbers before posting or sharing content. For those without local numbers, verification can be completed using personal identification numbers, in line with Vietnam’s electronic authentication laws.
The decree also includes provisions for livestreaming, specifically targeting commercial content creators. Users conducting commercial livestreams must verify their accounts with personal identification numbers, complying with existing identification laws. This extends Vietnam’s digital verification system, covering commercial activities as well.
Online Safety in Focus
Under the new regulations, service providers are required to classify content, issue warnings about material unsuitable for children, and implement child protection measures. They must also establish systems for handling user complaints about content. These requirements align with broader digital content regulation trends in Southeast Asia, where governments are increasingly focusing on online safety.
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The legislation grants authorities the power to request user data from tech companies operating in Vietnam. These companies must remove illegal content within 24 hours of receiving official requests, reflecting the efforts being made in enforcing the country’s digital content regulations.
The decree also establishes guidelines for content moderation, requiring service providers to protect minors and address user complaints about content and services. This builds on Vietnam’s existing content control measures, introducing new verification and moderation protocols.
These regulations represent Vietnam’s digital governance expansion, complementing the country's growing digital infrastructure and efforts in fostering digital identity management and upholding online governance.
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