The Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications has issued the Code of Conduct for Cyberspace, which requires cyberspace users to follow do’s and don’ts to eliminate misconducts and build a healthy and safe online environment in Vietnam. 

The code, enacted by a decision of the ministry on Thursday, came into being amid public objections to online posts or livestreams that provide false information, offend honor and dignity of others, use crude or obscene words or expressions, reveal or violate privacy of others, as well as misleading ads of products or services performed by artists, among other misbehaviors.

In order to get rid of such misconducts and promote positive and civilized behaviors, the ministry has issued the code that sets forth standards governing acts and behaviors of users of social media networks, based on Vietnam’s moral and cultural values as well as international conventions and norms to which Vietnam is a party.

The code is applied to all users of cyberspace as individuals or organizations, and to social media service providers in Vietnam.

This image shows crude and obscene words and expressions, in Vietnamese, used by Internet users to attack each other on social media networks. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Accordingly, people are required to learn and comply with the terms of use of any social media they wish to use.

Users should use their full and real names to register with service providers to facilitate authentication of their nicknames, website addresses and contact points during the use of cyberspace.

They must take confidentiality measures for their cyberspace and must notify competent agencies and network service providers of any cases in which they loss access to their websites or accounts, have their websites or personal pages hacked or misused for illegal purposes.

It is a must that users share information from only official and reliable sources.

In addition, users are requested to conduct acts and behaviors in accordance with the ethical values, culture and traditions of Vietnam, and not to use words or expressions that convey hatred, incite violence, discriminate in terms of race, religion or gender.

The code absolutely prohibits any posts that violate the law, offend honor and dignity of people, infringe legitimate rights and interests of any organizations and individuals, use offensive language, spread fake or misleading news, or advertise and trade products or services illegally, among other misconducts.

Regarding users as state agencies, the code requests them to ensure the information they post on social media to be consistent with that they provide to mainstream mass media.

They are also required to give feedback to any social media posts containing opinions related to their functions, duties and powers.

Meanwhile, the code encourages the use of social media to propagate and promote the beauties of Vietnam’s land, people and culture, as well as positive information and prominent examples of good people and good deeds.

In addition, cyberspace users are advised to mobilize their family members, friends, and others to participate in education and protection of children and minors.

Regarding network service providers, the code requests them to clearly announce their terms of service, including the rights and obligations of themselves and users.

Upon receipt of any notice from competent authorities requesting removal of copyright-infringing or law-breaking information, social network service providers must coordinate with relevant organizations and individuals to handle such matters under prevailing laws and regulations.

Such service providers must also provide guidelines for safe and healthy use of their networks, support and protect legitimate rights and interests of users, especially those in disadvantaged groups.

In addition, they are required to take measures to ensure the safety and healthy development of children and minors through social media in accordance with the laws of Vietnam.

The code also prohibits provision of information of network service users to any third parties without their approval.

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