Vietnam Enforces New Digital Conduct Code for Citizens and Celebrities

Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has implemented a new “Code of Conduct for Cultural Behavior in the Digital Environment,” effective March 5, 2026, aiming to cultivate a safer, more respectful, and healthier online landscape. The code, outlined in Decision No. 423/QD-BVHTTDL, applies to a broad range of entities, including individuals, social media and digital platform providers (both domestic and international), internet service providers, media organizations, and other businesses operating in the digital sphere.

Key Provisions for Individuals

The code encourages Vietnamese citizens to adhere to several key principles when participating in online activities:

• Real Names & Legal Trademarks: Users are encouraged to use their real names or legally owned names and trademarks.
• Data Protection: When posting images or personal information of others, compliance with Vietnamese laws regarding personal data protection and child protection is mandatory.
• Privacy Considerations: Individuals are advised to carefully consider the implications before publicly disclosing personal data online.
• Information Verification: Caution is urged when receiving and sharing information, with a focus on verifying its accuracy.
• Respect for Intellectual Property: The code emphasizes respecting intellectual property rights and the privacy of others.
• Civil Communication: Respectful and polite communication is required in online discussions, avoiding offensive language, incitement to violence, hatred, or discrimination.

Specific Guidelines for Influencers and Celebrities

Recognizing the significant influence of public figures, the code includes specific recommendations for influencers, community page owners, and content channel operators. These individuals are expected to:

• Promote Vietnamese Culture: Contribute to the development and preservation of Vietnamese culture, national values, and family values.
• Lead by Example: Adhere to the law and take responsibility for their impact, particularly on young people, by adopting a healthy and positive lifestyle.
• Transparency in Advertising: Publicly disclose advertisements or sponsorships to their followers, ensuring advertisements are truthful and compliant with applicable laws.
• Prohibited Advertising: Refrain from advertising prohibited products or services.
• Avoid Exploitation: Not exploit the trust and feelings of the public for personal gain.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to publish a list of individuals who violate the regulations, allowing relevant organizations to reconsider cooperation. Violations of the code can result in fines, as stipulated in Article 101, Paragraph 1 of Decree No. 15 of 2020:

• Individuals: Fines of VND5 to VND10 million (approximately $190 – $380 USD). A medium-level fine of VND7.5 million (approximately $285 USD) will be applied without aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
• Organizations: Fines of VND10 to VND20 million (approximately $380 – $760 USD).

These penalties apply to providing or sharing false, untrue, distorted, or defamatory information that insults the honor or dignity of institutions or organizations.

Reporting Violations

The code encourages individuals to report fake news, disinformation, or illegal content to service providers, digital platforms, or relevant authorities for prompt action. Warnings regarding such content must include clear identification and be marked with a red slash.

Promoting Positive Online Content

The Vietnamese government encourages the sharing and dissemination of content with cultural, educational, and humanistic value, fostering a healthy and safe digital environment.