Vietnam’s cybersecurity bill comes into effect

A law requiring internet companies in Vietnam to remove content communist authorities deem to be against the state came into effect yesterday. The law requires internet companies to remove content the government regards as “toxic”. Tech giants such as Facebook and Google will also have to hand over user data if asked by the government, and open representative offices in Vietnam.

The communist country’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) published a draft decree on how the law may be implemented in November, giving companies which offer internet service in Vietnam up to 12 months to comply. MPS has also said the bill was aimed at staving off cyber-attacks -- and w e e d i n g out “hos- tile and reac - tionary forces” using the internet to stir up violence and dissent, according to a transcript of a question-and-answer session with lawmakers in October.

In response to the law, Facebook said they are are committed to protecting the rights of its users and enabling people to express themselves freely and safely. Hanoi has said Google is taking steps to open up an office in Vietnam to comply with the new law. The law also bans internet users in Vietnam from spreading information deemed to be anti-state, anti-government or use the internet to dis - tort history and “post false informa - tion that could cause confusion and damage to socio-economic activities”.