Vietnam eyes speeding up removal of ‘illegal’ social media posts

Vietnam is looking to lay down rules to pull what is sees as “illegal” content from social media platforms within 24 hours, Reuters reported, citing three sources briefed on the matter.

This would amend an existing law that allows companies such as Facebook and Twitter to take down content within a few days of posting.

While the 24-hour grace period would apply to “illegal content and services,” the new regulation aims to have “illegal livestreams” removed in just three hours. Meanwhile, posts that would “harm national security” would have to be erased instantly.

The new rules are expected to be signed by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh next month and come into effect by July this year, five people told Reuters. Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube had no immediate comment to the publication.

Social media is not the only space that Vietnam is tightening its grips on. It was also recently reported that the country was looking to set up a legal framework on digital assets and currency.

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