New regulations on Internet supply and control

Laws - Since September 1, 2010 on, all websites will be managed by people who have Vietnamese nationality, permanent/temporary residence in Việt Nam, and bachelor degrees.

 

The Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications recently issued a new circular guiding the implementation of the Government’s Decree 97/2008/NĐ-CP on management, provision, and use of Internet services and e-information. The Circular will take effect sine September 1, 2010.

 

Banned activities

 

The Circular prohibits activities which make use of Internet to oppose the Government, damage national security, disclose national secrets, publish distorted information, and advertise illegal commodities.

 

In addition, the Circular also forbids activities which damage the Internet system, steal personal and organizational passwords and information, and spread virus and malware.

 

The Circular also bans the websites which are inhumane, erotic and inappropriate to the habits and customs of Việt Nam.

 

Criteria for running websites

 

First, organizations and enterprises must have legal business licenses and launch accurate information about their operation on their websites;

 

Second, they have to own adequate technical facilities, manpower, as well as suitable information management program in order to properly control the operation of the websites;

 

Third, people in charge of running the websites must have Vietnamese nationality, permanent or temporary residence in Việt Nam and bachelor degrees.   

 

It is reported that as of July, Việt Nam has 24 million Internet users. About 90% students in Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City use the World Wide Web for their research. More than 60% of young and middle aged people use Internet at home or at cybercafés.