Fake news spreaders to face fine of up to VND 200 million

With the aim of maintaining a healthy and transparent information environment, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has unveiled a draft decree to provide measures to prevent and combat violations related to fake news and false information.

Spreading fake news or providing false information would be subject to a fine of up to VND 100 million for individuals and VND 200 million for organisations. These levels match the maximum fines specified in the Law on Handling of Administrative Violations for violations in the fields of information technology, telecommunications, radio frequency, cybersecurity, cyberinformation security and data.

Sanctions specified in the decree would apply not only to Vietnamese citizens, agencies and organisations, but also to foreigners residing in Vietnam, international organisations operating in Vietnam, as well as Internet service providers and social media platforms operating within Vietnam’s territory.

As per the draft, fake news is defined as information that is entirely untrue meanwhile false information is information that is partially untrue.

Violations in this field include acts of making statements, producing, storing, disseminating, posting, sharing, or commenting on, fake news or false information, and supporting, colluding, inciting or deceiving others to carry out such acts. Serious violations may result in criminal prosecution under the 2015 Penal Code.

Violators might also face additional sanctions, including notification to local administrations or workplaces, forcible making of public apologies to victims, restitution of illicit gains, and removal or deletion of social media groups or accounts related to violations.

For first-time violations in which individuals unintentionally share fake news or false information due to lack of awareness, causing no harm, and promptly remedy the consequences and make timely corrections, enforcement agencies may consider exempting them from administrative fines and instead apply educational and deterrent measures.

In addition, the MPS proposes the establishment of a National Database Centre for Fake News Prevention and Control, with five core functions: (i) receiving reports, denunciations, complaints and petitions related to fake news and false information; (ii) issuing warnings on fake news and false information; (iii) providing support and guidance on fake news and false information; (iv) facilitating data sharing for the identification and labeling of fake news and false information between the MPS and other agencies, organisations, ministries, sectors and People’s Committees at all levels; and (v) adding and updating data on prevention and combat of violations related to fake news and false information.

The center would serve as one of the official channels for information disclosure. The MPS would also use the center to publicize identities of violators and coordinate with the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in addressing cases deemed to pose risks of media crises or serious threats to national security.-

(VLLF)