Vietnam Mandates Phone Number Verification for Social Media Users in New Digital Regulation

Vietnam has implemented new regulations requiring social media users to verify their accounts using phone numbers, marking the latest expansion of the country’s digital governance framework. The decree, which took effect December 25, 2024, builds upon Vietnam’s modernized national identity infrastructure and introduces comprehensive requirements for social media usage within the country.

The new regulations require users to verify their social media accounts using Vietnamese phone numbers before posting or sharing content. The measure is part of Vietnam’s broader digital identity initiatives, including the recent mandate for biometric authentication in banking transactions. For users without local phone numbers, verification can be completed using personal identification numbers in accordance with Vietnam’s identification and electronic authentication laws.

The decree includes specific provisions for livestreaming activities, particularly targeting commercial content creators. Users who conduct commercial livestreams must verify their accounts using personal identification numbers, adhering to existing laws on identification and electronic authentication. The measure extends Vietnam’s digital verification framework beyond basic social media use to commercial activities.

Service providers face new responsibilities under the regulations, including requirements to classify content and display warnings about material inappropriate for children. They must also implement child protection measures and establish systems for handling user complaints about content and services. The requirements mirror similar digital content regulation trends across Southeast Asia, where governments are increasingly focusing on online safety and content moderation.

The legislation grants authorities the power to request user data from technology companies operating in Vietnam. These companies must remove content designated as illegal within 24 hours of receiving official requests, representing a significant enforcement mechanism for the country’s digital content standards.

For content moderation, the decree establishes a framework requiring service providers to implement protective measures for minors and maintain systems for addressing user complaints regarding content and services. The framework builds upon Vietnam’s existing content control measures while adding new verification requirements and moderation protocols.

The regulations represent a significant expansion of Vietnam’s digital governance framework, adding to the country’s growing digital infrastructure policies. The development follows the recent implementation of NEC’s national identity database system, demonstrating Vietnam’s comprehensive approach to digital identity management and online governance.

Sources: VOVWORLD, France24

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December 27, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team