On 17 June 2021, the Minister of Information and Communications issued Decision No. 874/QĐ-BTTTT together with the Code of Conduct on social networks ("Code of Conduct"), which took effect on the same date. The Code of Conduct applies to social networks' users, including individuals, organisations, officials, public employees and workers in government agencies, regulatory authorities and social network service providers.
The Code of Conduct sets out rules of conduct of organisations and individuals using social networks, including conducting oneself or behaving in an appropriate manner in line with the moral and cultural values and fine traditions of the Vietnamese nation. It provides "rules" which social networks should adhere to, such as (i) having clear terms and conditions (T&Cs); (ii) putting in place measures for the detection and removal of contents that violate the laws; and (iii) providing support to "vulnerable" users.
While the rules set out in the Code of Conduct are numerous, the provisions are only recommendatory and instructive. The Code of Conduct is not a legal instrument and as such, violation of the rules – on its own – is not capable of attracting sanctions.
