Vietnam is proposing new regulations requiring social media platforms to implement strict age verification for users under 16. The draft decree aims to limit content posting and mandate parental oversight to protect minors online. These changes would force companies operating in the country to adopt new technical tools for age-appropriate content moderation and stricter privacy standards.
Detailed Coverage
Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is working on a new draft decree that proposes significant changes to how social media platforms operate for younger users. Under these proposed rules, individuals under 16 would be restricted from posting content, commenting, or reacting on various platforms. If implemented, these accounts would require registration using the details of a parent or legal guardian, who would then be held responsible for supervising the child's online activity and screen time.
New Technical Responsibilities for Platforms
The draft regulation places the burden of compliance directly on social media companies. Platforms would be required to develop and deploy advanced technical solutions to accurately verify the age of their users. Additionally, these companies would be tasked with filtering content to ensure it is age-appropriate for younger audiences. The government has stated that the goal is not to completely block children from the internet, but rather to mandate a higher level of privacy and protection against harmful online content.
Impact on Digital Services and Online Gaming
This proposed regulatory move is part of a wider effort by the Vietnamese government to manage the digital landscape. Beyond social media, the decree suggests setting strict limits on online gaming, proposing a maximum of 60 minutes of daily play time for those under 16. For tech companies and gaming firms operating in Vietnam, this implies a need to overhaul user verification systems and compliance protocols to avoid potential penalties or service interruptions.
International Context for Digital Regulations
Vietnam’s proposed policy follows an increasing global trend where governments are taking a harder stance on how technology companies manage child safety and mental health. Several countries have already moved in similar directions, with France implementing a social media ban for users under 15 and Australia introducing comparable age-based restrictions. For investors tracking global tech firms, this reflects a growing regulatory risk, as social media and gaming companies may face higher operating costs associated with maintaining compliance across different international jurisdictions. Companies will need to monitor the finalization of this decree to understand the specific timeline for implementation and the nature of the enforcement mechanisms to be used by local authorities.