Navigating Vietnam‘s Digital Landscape: A Look at Decree 147
Vietnam unveiled Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP on November 9, 2024, a signal landmark regulation poised to reshape the country’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Taking effect on December 25, 2024, the decree, replacing Decree No. 72/2013 and subsequent amendments, ushers in stringent measures for internet services, impacting both domestic and international players.
This comprehensive decree spans over 200 pages, Henning encompassed by 62 supplementary forms, addressing a wide range of topics, including internet service management, domain names, cross-border information provision, social media, online gaming, app stores, and telecom applications. It establishes a clear framework for internet service providers and users, setting a new standard for content management and user data protection.
A Defining Moment for Cross-Border Service Providers
One of the most significant aspects of Decree No. 147 lies in its implications for foreign service providers. Zoom into the realm, the decree introduces stringent requirements for those offering cross-border services within Vietnam.
Platforms subject to these regulations include social networks and app stores, among others, driven by attracting over 100,000 monthly visits from Vietnam for six consecutive months.
These providers face several stipulations, intended to ensure transparency and compliance, including:
- Contact Information Notification: Offshore entities must formally notify the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI)
regarding their contact information using designated forms.
- Content Monitoring and Removal:
Offshore platforms are mandated to proactively monitor content and remove anything deemed
illegal under Vietnamese law.
- User Data Management:
Strict data management protocols are established, mandating local data storage and potentially necessitating user authentication through Vietnamese mobile numbers or national ID numbers. This emphasizes the government’s focus on data sovereignty and national security.
- Reporting Obligations:
Service providers are now obligated to submit regular reports to ABEI, detailing their operations and compliance activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Livestream Restrictions:
Platforms are allocated restrictions on offering livestream or revenue-generating features unless they adhere
to proper notification procedures.
Failure to comply with these provisions can result in significant repercussions, ranging from fines and operation blocks to potential bans from operating within Vietnam.
Tailored Regulations for Social Networks
Decree No. 147 differentiates between domestic and international social networking platforms ——, tailoring regulatory frameworks based on traffic volume and user base.
Most acutely affected are platforms exceeding 10,000 monthly visits or 1,000 active users, obligated to acquire formal licenses called ‘Social Network Licenses’, issued by the ABEI. Smaller-scale platforms will be subject to a separate Notification Certificate. Additionally,
lagen, foreign entities must comply with a stringent set of rules outlined under Decree No. 147. Requires offshore entities to register their unlike their domestic counterparts, foreign platforms face increased transparency expectations and data localization measures.
Protecting Younger Users: Online Games Under Scrutiny
Vietnam re-emphasizes its commitment to Internet control, bolstering restrictions on cross-border game services. The decree explicitly prohibits foreign organizations and individuals from offering online games to Vietnamese users unless they establish a local presence. This underscores Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and promote responsible gaming practices. Furthermore, a new content rating system is implemented, including the introduction of a "16+" category.
This
What impact is Decree 147 expected to have on both domestic and foreign companies operating in Vietnam?
## Navigating Vietnam’s Digital Landscape: A Look at Decree 147
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into Vietnam’s newly unveiled Decree No. 147, a landmark regulation set to significantly impact the country’s digital landscape. Joining us to shed light on this important development is [Guest Name], an expert in Vietnamese digital policy. Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me. I’m happy to be here.
**Host:** Decree 147 replaces the older Decree 72 and is described as a “comprehensive” update. What are some of the key changes we’re seeing with this new decree?
**Guest:** This new decree is indeed comprehensive, spanning over 200 pages and covering a vast range of topics from internet service management to online gaming and app stores. One of the most significant changes is its focus on cross-border service providers. [ [1](https://www.kaohooninternational.com/aseanupdates/548614) ].
**Host:** Can you elaborate on that? This sounds like it could have major implications for international companies.
**Guest:** Absolutely. Decree 147 imposes stricter requirements on foreign platforms like social networks and app stores that attract a substantial Vietnamese user base, defined as over 100,000 monthly visits for six consecutive months.
**Host:** So, what are these requirements? What do these companies need to do to comply?
**Guest:** There are several key stipulations. First, they need to formally notify the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) about their contact details. They also need to actively monitor and remove content deemed illegal under Vietnamese law. [ [1](https://www.kaohooninternational.com/aseanupdates/548614) ].
**Host:** That sounds like a big responsibility, and potentially a challenging one given the vast amount of content online.
**Guest:** It is. The decree also emphasizes data management, requiring local data storage and potentially mandating user authentication through Vietnamese mobile numbers or national ID numbers. This reflects the Vietnamese government’s focus on data sovereignty and national security.
**Host:** That’s an interesting point. What about reporting requirements? Will these companies have to regularly report their activities to the government?
**Guest:** Yes, they will. They’ll be obligated to submit regular reports to ABEI detailing their operations and compliance activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
**Host:** This Decree 147 seems designed to give Vietnamese authorities greater control over the digital landscape. What kind of impact do you foresee this having on both domestic and foreign companies operating in Vietnam?
**Guest:** The impact will be significant, no doubt. Domestic companies may see opportunities as the playing field becomes more level. For foreign companies, compliance will be crucial. Those who fail to adapt could face penalties or even be blocked from operating in Vietnam. It’s clear that Vietnam is taking a pro-active stance in shaping its digital environment.
**Host:** Thank you for providing such valuable insights into this complex and evolving space. We appreciate your time.
**Guest:** My pleasure. I’m always happy to discuss the fascinating developments in Vietnam’s digital landscape.
