Vietnam’s Decree 147: Stricter Internet Rules Raise Alarms Over Free Speech and Digital Freedom
Vietnam’s New Internet Decree: A Blow to Digital Freedom and Expression
On Wednesday, Vietnam introduced stringent new internet regulations requiring major platforms like Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and provide data to authorities. Critics argue that these measures, outlined in "Decree 147," mark another step toward suppressing free speech in the nation.
The decree mandates that all tech companies operating in Vietnam verify users’ accounts through phone numbers or Vietnamese identification numbers. These details, along with users’ full names and birth dates, must be stored and shared with the government upon request. Additionally, platforms must remove any content deemed "illegal" within 24 hours.
A Deepening Crackdown on Expression
Vietnam’s one-party government has long been known for its zero-tolerance approach to dissent, particularly against critics who leverage social media to amplify their voices. The new decree amplifies concerns about the country’s increasingly restrictive environment.
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"Decree 147 will be used to publicly suppress those with different viewpoints," said activist Dang Thi Hue, who frequently posts about social and political issues on Facebook to her 28,000 followers. Former political prisoner Le Anh Hung echoed these sentiments, describing the vague definitions of "illegal" content as a tool to create fear.
The decree follows high-profile crackdowns, including the October sentencing of blogger Duong Van Thai, who was jailed for 12 years for sharing anti-state information. These measures build on Vietnam's 2018 cybersecurity law, which faced international criticism for its resemblance to China’s oppressive internet controls.
Social Media Firms in the Crosshairs
Under Decree 147, all social media platforms have 90 days to submit data on the total number of visits and monthly active users from Vietnam. Verified accounts will be the only ones allowed to livestream—a move expected to impact the growing number of Vietnamese citizens relying on platforms like TikTok for income.
With Vietnam home to an estimated 65 million Facebook users, 60 million YouTube users, and 20 million TikTok users, the new rules are set to reverberate across the country’s digital ecosystem.
For social media companies, the decree presents both logistical and ethical dilemmas. While they must comply to maintain access to Vietnam’s market, handing over user data raises concerns about enabling government overreach and repression.
The Impact on Online Gaming
In addition to social media controls, the decree imposes strict regulations on gaming for individuals under 18, citing the need to curb addiction. Game publishers are now required to enforce time limits of one hour per session and a maximum of 180 minutes per day.
However, the decree’s effectiveness remains questionable. At an online gaming café in Hanoi, a 15-year-old gamer shrugged off the new rules. "I don’t know anything about a time limit for the games," he said. "I just keep playing, and as you see, it still works."
The café’s owner was similarly indifferent, noting that business had continued as usual. "I have no idea what this decree is about. They pay, and we let them use the desktop for their gaming. It’s simple."
Economic and Social Repercussions
Beyond the immediate impact on activists and content creators, the decree poses broader challenges for Vietnam’s digital economy. Social commerce, a booming industry in the country, will likely suffer as account verification and livestream restrictions deter smaller sellers.
Meanwhile, gaming—an integral part of Vietnam’s entertainment sector—is also under threat. With over half of the population engaged in gaming, the new restrictions could alienate a significant portion of the youth demographic.
International Reactions
Vietnam’s move has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and advocates for digital freedom. Critics argue that Decree 147 erodes basic freedoms and increases the government’s ability to stifle dissent.
The parallels with China’s heavily monitored and censored internet model are hard to ignore. By tightening its grip on digital spaces, Vietnam risks alienating its tech-savvy population and undermining its global reputation as a burgeoning hub for innovation.
What Lies Ahead
While the decree officially came into force on Wednesday, its implementation and long-term effects remain to be seen. Activists, businesses, and regular users alike are bracing for the changes, with some already expressing fear and frustration.
As one activist put it, "No one wants to go to jail. So, of course, some activists will be more cautious and afraid of this decree." For others, the battle for freedom of expression in Vietnam continues—even as the digital walls close in.
Vietnam’s internet users now find themselves navigating a landscape of increasing restrictions. Whether Decree 147 succeeds in consolidating government control or sparks a backlash from a digitally empowered public remains an open question.
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