Over the past decade, Vietnam has limited access to websites critical of the government. Recently, the passing of a new cybersecurity law by the Vietnamese parliament has led to criticism of its potential effect on freedom of speech and expression. But what is the truth and intention behind this new law?

According to the legislators, the new regulation will require tech companies to store data about Vietnamese users on local servers, and therefore will increase security in the country. However, critics do not believe such a tale, as they think that this move could possibly stifle free speech for Vietnamese internet users as the companies might be forced to hand over large amounts of private information to the government. The new law will prohibit users from organizing online for anti-state purposes, spreading false information or take part in online activities that potentially undermine the country’s achievements or solidarity (Nguyen, 2018). In addition, human rights organization Amnesty International called the new law regressive. They believe that this move has potentially devastating consequences for freedom of expression in Vietnam.

Over the years, the government has already limited the access to websites critical of the government and aggressive internet activists have been arrested and persecuted numerous times. But for some people in Vietnam, with Vietnam’s deeply repressive climate, the online space was a relative refuge where people could go to share ideas and opinions with less fear of censure by the authorities (Nguyen, 2018). However, with the powers it grants the government to monitor online activity, this regulation means that there will be no safe place left in Vietnam for people to speak freely. Therefore, this law poses a threat to the one place where Vietnamese people can speak their mind.

This new law is somewhat similar to a law passed by China, which forces tech companies like apple to host data on local servers, which of course allows the Chinese government to access private data from its users (iCloud data and photos) (Davis, 2018).  While privacy lawyers and human rights organizations believe that this kind of law represented a big downgrade in protections for Vietnamese and Chinese customers, the governments from both countries do not have plans to adjust or to change their regulations.

Bibliography

Chong, Z. (2018). Vietnam’s new law tightens control of the internet. Retrieved from CNET: https://www.cnet.com/news/vietnam-backs-new-law-to-tighten-control-on-the-internet/

Davis, B. (2018). What Vietnam’s New Media Laws May Mean For Its Press Freedom. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davisbrett/2016/04/27/vietnams-new-media-and-information-laws-reading-the-tea-leaves/#66e15c716f63

Nguyen, M. (2018). Vietnam cyber law set for tough enforcement despite Google, Facebook pleas. Retrieved from The Star Online: https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2018/10/10/exclusive-vietnam-cyber-law-set-for-tough-enforcement-despite-google-facebook-pleas/

Nguyen, M. (2018). Vietnam lawmakers approve cyber law clamping down on tech firms, dissent. Retrieved from Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vietnam-socialmedia/vietnam-legislators-back-cyber-law-clamping-down-on-tech-firms-dissent-idUSKBN1J80AE