Vietnam: Adopted Decree No. 15/2020/ND-CP including sanctions regarding operational license requirement

On 2 February 2020, the Government of Vietnam adopted Decree No. 15/2020/ND-CP. The decree delineates the penalties for improper network configuration, including the provision of unlicensed telecommunications services or the failure to fulfil contractual obligations. These penalties may reach a sum of up to VND 200 million. Social networks that operate without a licence may be subject to fines of up to VND 70 million in addition to other penalties such as the confiscation of tools used in violations and suspension of operations for up to three months. In the case of electronic game providers, the operation of an unregistered business or the provision of content without the requisite approval can result in fines of up to VND 170 million and the temporary revocation of licences. Severe violations include the misuse or trading of foreign digital certificates and the provision of false information in the licensing process. Additional sanctions may include the confiscation of equipment, licence revocation and the suspension of services. Remedial measures require the recovery of illegal gains, the forced correction of violations and the issuing of public apologies.