Vietnam: Opened consultation on Draft Decree 72 on the management, provision and use of internet services and online information including license requirement

On 17 July 2023, the Vietnamese Government opened a consultation until 15 September 2023 on Draft Decree 72 on the management, provision and use of internet services and online information, which would entirely replace current Decree 72. The Decree would apply to domestic and foreign organisations and individuals directly engaged in or related to the management, provision and use of internet services, online information, and online games, and ensuring information safety and security. In particular, the Draft Decree establishes that companies may only provide internet services after obtaining a license to provide telecommunications services. Furthermore, social network services with an establishment in Vietnam (“onshore network services”) and with visits of 10,000 or more per month for six consecutive months or with more than 1,000 regular members in a month are also required to obtain a license. Only onshore social network providers with a valid license are allowed to provide online video streaming services or engage in revenue-generating activities of any kind (excluding e-commerce activities).