In a significant move to tighten its grip on digital communication, Vietnam has begun implementing Decree 147. This decree enhances the 2018 Law on Cybersecurity, which criminalizes online content deemed offensive or threatening to national security. Under this new regulation, tech companies must verify user identities and remove content labeled illegal by authorities, raising alarms about diminishing digital rights in the country.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern that these measures primarily serve to stifle dissent and silence critics. By enforcing user verification through personal identifiers, dissidents who previously engaged anonymously now face heightened risks of detection and arrest. Activists like Tran Anh Quan emphasize that this surveillance could curtail free expression, compelling individuals to evade their true identities online.
Moreover, bloggers and activists warn that Decree 147 may foster a culture of self-censorship, where individuals refrain from sharing dissenting opinions to safeguard their wellbeing. This sentiment was echoed by former political prisoner Le Anh Hung, who noted that the decree blurs the line between permissible speech and punishable offenses, threatening basic freedoms.
In defense of the new regulations, Nguyen Tien Ma from the Communication Ministry argued that user verification is necessary for accountability, aiding law enforcement in tracking potential violations. Decree 147 also extends its reach over public internet venues, demanding they curtail propaganda against the state, while imposing time limits on gaming for minors to address addiction concerns.
In tandem with Decree 147, Vietnam introduced Decree 126, which tightens regulations on the formation and operation of civil society associations. This decree grants authorities sweeping powers to monitor these groups and severely limits their capacity for independent funding and activities, making it more challenging for organizations to advocate for human rights or social change.
The adoption of Decree 126 signals further entrenchment of governmental control, with stipulations requiring official permission to disband any active association. Critics like those from Project 88 highlight a growing atmosphere of paranoia among leaders, aiming to quash any semblance of grassroots activism. Thus, these decrees illustrate a troubling trend in Vietnam’s approach to governance and civil liberties, undermining freedoms that are essential for societal growth.
Vietnam’s new decrees aim to intensify control over the internet and civil society, with Decree 147 expanding cybersecurity regulations and Decree 126 imposing stricter controls on associations. Critics warn these measures threaten civil liberties and encourage self-censorship among citizens. As government oversight increases, calls for the repeal of these decrees grow louder, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democratic values in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s recent introduction of Decree 147 and Decree 126 epitomizes the government’s escalating attempts to exert control over the internet and civil society. By mandating user identification and reinforcing control over associations, these decrees threaten the core of free expression and civic participation, prompting calls from human rights groups for their immediate repeal. The international community must remain vigilant to support the fight for basic human rights in Vietnam.
Vietnam has been under scrutiny for its increasingly strict regulations regarding internet usage and civil society engagement. The government has historically employed legal frameworks that restrict free speech and impose heavy-handed controls over social media. Recent decrees reflect a systemic effort to consolidate authority and manage dissent, leading to widespread concerns regarding human rights violations and the stifling of democratic discourse within the nation.
Original Source: globalvoices.org
