| IN BRIEF
|
THE Vietnam recently adopted the decree 147, a regulation that imposes severe restrictions on the use of social networks and the identity of online users. As of its entry into force, digital platforms and users will have to provide their personal data, which raises serious concerns about the freedom of speech and the safety of anonymous dissidents. This initiative is seen by many observers as a new tool of repression in a country already criticized for its strict control of freedoms. At the heart of this measure, the need declared by the government to maintain social order and the national sovereignty in an increasingly contested digital space.
The recent decree 147 imposed by Vietnam marks an escalation in Internet regulation, requiring verification of the identity of users on social networks. This measure raises serious concerns about the freedom of speech and the security of dissidents, already in a precarious situation in the country. While the government justifies these regulations by the need to fight against cyberattacks, they seem more intended to strengthen control over public opinion and to reduce the ability of critical voices to express themselves.
Details of Decree 147
With the entry into force of this decree, which could just as easily be the plot of a political thriller, all digital platforms in Vietnam, whether foreign social networks like Facebook or local services such as Zalo, are now required to verify the identity of their users. This verification will be carried out through the obligatory use of identity documents or telephone numbers. The information collected must be retained, including the users’ full name and date of birth. Which raises concerns about the protection of this personal data and their possible transmission to the authorities.
A media environment under control
In Vietnam, the absence of media diversity is a tangible reality. All media are under state control, and cases of independent bloggers arrested for criticizing the government are becoming more and more common. Indeed, the country is ranked 174th out of 180 in the world press freedom ranking established by Reporters Without Borders. The implementation of Decree 147 cannot be dissociated from this repressive atmosphere, in which dissidents risk finding themselves easily exposed and prosecuted.
Repercussions on critical voices
Among the examples of targeted repression, the case of the blogger Duong Van Thai, sentenced to 12 years in prison for disseminating ideas critical of the government, illustrates the seriousness of the situation in Vietnam. Other journalists, such as Huy Duc, were also imprisoned for daring to speak openly about issues of corruption and media control. These events reveal a legal and operational framework that allows the authorities to effectively eliminate any opposition or criticism towards them.
Official government justifications
The Vietnamese government, through the voice of Le Quang Tu Do of the Ministry of Information and Communication, describes the decree as necessary to maintain thesocial order and national security. However, this position is widely contested by human rights defenders. They argue that this decree could lead to a self-censorship widespread among citizens, eager to avoid sanctions for expressing critical opinions, which will ultimately harm the evolution of democratic values in the country.
The response of human rights organizations
Organizations like Human Rights Watch denounce these measures which they describe as “draconian”, calling on the government to reverse this decree which could seriously harm access to information and freedom of expression. According to the organization, by treating all criticism as a matter of national security, the Vietnamese government is equipping itself with a new tool of repression which threatens the fundamental rights of individuals.
Implications for online activities
The implementation of Decree 147 also has implications for content creators who rely on social media for their activities. With access to live video streaming restricted for uncertified users, many subscribers risk seeing their revenue streams at risk. The Ministry of Information indicates that Vietnam has around 65 million Facebook users and 60 million YouTube users, which represents a significant part of the population that could be affected by these new obligations.
A legal framework for video games
In addition to the regulation of social networks, Decree 147 also aims to fight against addiction to video games, with restrictions imposing a maximum playing time. In a country where more than half the population games regularly, these new rules could have a substantial impact on the video gaming sector, while raising questions about personal freedom and consumer choice.
As these measures become more stringent, the challenge for Vietnam will be to balance apparent national security with respect for citizens’ basic rights. Awareness and discourse around these issues are more crucial than ever, as the collective voice of civil society becomes an essential key to challenging ongoing authoritarian trends.
FAQs about Decree 147 in Vietnam
What is Decree 147?
Decree 147 is new Vietnamese legislation aimed at strengthening Internet regulation. It requires social media users to verify their identity, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the protection of anonymous dissidents.
Why do users need to verify their identity?
Users will be required to provide information such as their identity number or their mobile phone number, as well as their full name and date of birth. This data may be stored and transmitted to authorities.
What impact will this have on press freedom?
This decree is likely to worsen the already critical situation of press freedom in Vietnam, a country ranked 174th out of 180 by Reporters Without Borders, with strong repression of independent journalists and bloggers.
How does the government justify this measure?
The Vietnamese government says the decree aims to maintain social order, national security and sovereignty in the digital space.
What are the implications for users of platforms like Facebook or YouTube?
Only users with a certified account will be able to broadcast live videos, which could influence the income of content creators who have made social platforms their main source of income.
What does the international community think of this decree?
Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, described this decree as “draconian” and called on the government to review it, arguing that it threatens access to information and freedom of speech.
What additional measures are included in this decree?
In addition to identity verification, the decree imposes restrictions on video games, aiming to limit playing time to one hour per session and 180 minutes total per day to combataddiction.