The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) recently reported on the progress of several resolutions by the National Assembly related to information and communications management.

According to the MIC, the rapid development of technology, alongside challenges in regulatory adaptation, has made cyberspace- particularly social media - a "fertile ground" for hostile forces, extremists, and opportunistic individuals to propagate content against the Party and the State.

Furthermore, public awareness remains limited, with many social media users perceiving the online world as “anonymous and therefore without responsibility,” where they can express themselves freely under pseudonyms or anonymous profiles without fear of detection or legal repercussions.

The regulatory framework for overseeing the provision and use of information online, especially concerning cross-border services, remains inadequate and outpaced by technological advancements.

The MIC also highlighted that human and technical resources for overseeing online information are limited, making it challenging to keep up with developments in digital technology.

The systems for monitoring and detecting legal violations on the internet and across cross-border social media platforms are not fully equipped to meet operational demands.

In the coming period, the MIC aims to enhance public awareness, dispelling the “anonymity equals no responsibility” mindset on social media. The Ministry will work to amplify official, positive information, sharing stories of good deeds and encouraging a respectful online community. It will also promote traditional cultural values, ethics, and Vietnamese customs.

The Ministry will focus on identifying and addressing violations, using advanced systems to track and promptly identify sources of unlawful content. MIC units have advocated for cross-border platforms to restrict or remove pages and groups with inappropriate or sensationalist content, tightening controls on monetized video content.

The MIC is also coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MOCST) to limit the appearance of artists and performers in media, social networks (particularly Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok), if they breach legal or online conduct standards. This measure aims to prevent negative influences on young audiences and curb the production of trivial or offensive content.

The Ministry plans to initiate campaigns to guide and inspire influential figures in culture and the arts, particularly celebrities with significant influence on young people. The goal is to encourage the creation of valuable content aligned with Vietnamese culture, fostering a “beauty over the ugly” approach that promotes quality content as the dominant trend in cyberspace and supports a healthier online environment.

Tran Thuong