Vietnam Issues New Decree Governing Internet Services And Online Information

On November 9, 2024, the government of Vietnam promulgated Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP on the management, provision, and use of internet services and online information ("Decree 147"). This decree supersedes the previous Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP dated July 15, 2013, on the same topic ("Decree 72") and its amending regulations, and will take effect on December 25, 2024.

Spanning over 200 pages, with an appendix of 62 forms, Decree 147 addresses a wide range of key internet and online topics, including internet services; domain names; cross-border information provision; social network services; aggregated information websites; online game services; app store services; information content services on mobile telecom networks; responsibilities of telecom, internet, web hosting, data center, and telecom application service providers; and measures to handle illegal content. This decree is expected to have a significant impact on both onshore and offshore service providers