HANOI (AsiaNews): Vietnam has issued Decree No. 174/2026, which imposes new administrative penalties for violations in postal services, telecommunications, e-transactions, and information technology.
Set to take effect on 1 July, the decree imposes fines up to US$1,900 for spreading “fake news” on social media. The rules apply to organisations, businesses, and individuals alike.
Where there is no criminal liability, fines may be issued for content deemed by authorities to cause public panic, disrupt the economy, hinder state agencies, or infringe on the rights of others.
The decree also covers state secrets, bans content distorting history, denying revolutionary achievements, undermining national unity, insulting religion, or promoting discrimination. Explicit violence is also targeted.
Authorities are empowered to demand the removal of false or illegal content and to suspend online accounts, pages, or channels that violate the law.
The rules also include intellectual property protections, fines for distributing unauthorised materials, and penalties for publishing maps that misrepresent Vietnam’s sovereignty.
