Vietnam: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism adopted code of cultural conduct in digital environment

On 5 March 2026, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) adopted the Code of Cultural Conduct in the Digital Environment. The Code applies to individuals, internet service providers, social network and digital platform providers, media and advertising companies, and performing arts organisations. It establishes general principles of conduct and sector-specific rules. The Code requires users and service providers to comply with Vietnamese law, respect the rights and interests of organisations and individuals, and promote civilised and respectful communication online. It encourages the sharing of reliable and culturally valuable information, requires respect for intellectual property rights and personal data protection rules, and calls on individuals to report unlawful or harmful content to platforms or authorities. Social network and digital platform providers must publish clear terms of service, implement mechanisms for reporting violations, and take measures to detect and prevent unlawful content, including fake news and illegal advertising. They must also introduce safeguards to protect children online and cooperate with authorities to remove unlawful content and raise public awareness about responsible conduct in the digital environment. Internet service providers are required to deploy filtering, warning, and restriction tools to limit access to harmful content, particularly for minors. They must also comply with personal data protection rules and support users affected by harmful online conduct. Influencers and administrators of community pages or content channels must act responsibly, given their influence on public opinion. They are expected to promote positive and culturally valuable content, clearly disclose advertising or sponsorship, and avoid exploiting the trust of audiences or promoting unlawful behaviour. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is responsible for disseminating and monitoring implementation of the Code, conducting awareness campaigns, and recognising organisations and individuals producing socially valuable digital content. Depending on the severity of violations, the Ministry may also publish lists of influencers or digital channels that have violated legal provisions for consideration by media, advertising, and performing arts organisations when deciding on cooperation. The Code replaces the Code of Conduct on Social Networks issued under Decision No. 874/QĐ-BTTTT of 17 June 2021.