In June 2024, the Hanoi Police announced a case where a resident of Chuong Duong district was fined 7.5 million VND (approximately $320 USD) for sharing content on Facebook that promoted superstition and outdated beliefs conflicting with Vietnamese cultural norms. The individual, identified as LTT (born in 1996), had posted material deemed to violate Vietnam’s regulations on information dissemination, according to a statement from the local police.
The investigation began after Chuong Duong police detected a Facebook account, “TTA,” sharing content perceived as fostering superstition and unscientific ideas. Authorities collaborated with Hanoi’s Internal Political Security Department to identify the account holder. LTT confessed to the violation, removed the disputed content, and pledged to comply with legal standards in future online activities.
The penalty was issued under Article 101, Paragraph 1, Point b of Government Ordinance No. 15/2020/ND-CP, which addresses administrative sanctions for spreading “superstition and irrational beliefs” online. This law, amended by Decrees 14/2022/ND-CP and 211/2025/ND-CP, prohibits content that “contradicts national customs, traditions, and values.”
Following the incident, Hanoi police urged citizens to exercise caution when sharing online content. They emphasized avoiding posts with superstitious, unscientific, or outdated material and encouraged users to critically evaluate information before sharing it. The warning aligns with broader efforts by Vietnamese authorities to regulate social media and combat misinformation.
This case reflects Vietnam’s ongoing challenges in balancing free expression with the enforcement of cultural and legal norms. While the government emphasizes preserving traditional values, critics argue that such measures risk stifling open discourse. Legal experts note that similar cases have emerged in recent years, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines on digital content moderation.
For users, the incident underscores the importance of understanding local laws when engaging online. As social media continues to shape public discourse, staying informed about regulatory frameworks is essential to avoid unintended legal consequences.
Police officers handling an administrative violation case. (Photo: Hanoi Police).
The incident has sparked debate about the boundaries of online expression in Vietnam. While the government maintains that such regulations protect societal harmony, digital rights advocates stress the need for transparency and proportionality in enforcement. As Vietnam’s digital landscape evolves, the interplay between tradition, law, and technology will remain a critical area of focus.
Source: VietnamNet, Thanh Nien News