Decree 147: Vietnam's Bold Step Toward Digital Authoritarianism

Vietnam’s newly implemented Decree 147 has thrust the country’s internet users and tech companies into uncharted and oppressive waters. The law, which expands government control over online information under the guise of "national security" and "social order," represents a troubling assault on free expression. Decree 147’s sweeping measures give Vietnamese authorities alarming powers over internet platforms and users, raising concerns about the erosion of digital freedoms and the suppression of dissent in a nation already known for its restrictive policies.

Under Decree 147, tech giants such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are required to verify user identities through phone numbers or personal identification numbers and store this data alongside users’ full names and dates of birth. These companies must also provide this information to authorities upon request and comply with government demands to remove "illegal content" within 24 hours.

The implications of such measures are chilling. By forcing tech companies to verify user identities, the government effectively strips away the anonymity that is often critical for activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens to express dissenting views. The decree’s vague definition of "illegal content" further compounds the risk of abuse, enabling authorities to target virtually any online expression they perceive as critical of the Communist Party.

Additionally, the new law restricts live streaming capabilities to verified accounts, directly impacting Vietnam’s burgeoning social commerce sector. Many individuals who rely on platforms like TikTok for their livelihoods will face increased bureaucratic hurdles and potential financial losses. The decree also imposes gaming restrictions for minors, capping sessions at one hour and total daily playtime at 180 minutes. While ostensibly aimed at curbing addiction, this measure underscores the government’s intrusive approach to regulating personal behavior.

Decree 147 is widely regarded as a continuation of Vietnam’s efforts to suppress dissent and silence critics. Activists and human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition, warning that the decree is a significant escalation in the government’s crackdown on free speech. Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, noted, “Because the Vietnamese police treat any criticism of the Communist Party of Vietnam as a national security matter, this decree will provide them with yet another tool to suppress dissent.”

The recent imprisonment of independent blogger Duong Van Thai, who was sentenced to 12 years for publishing anti-state information, underscores the high stakes for those who challenge the status quo. Similarly, the arrest of journalist Huy Duc highlights the risks faced by those who dare to expose corruption and media control. Decree 147 further emboldens authorities to target such individuals, leaving activists to grapple with an even murkier line between permissible speech and prosecutable offenses.

The decree also poses a threat to anonymous dissidents, who now face heightened risks of exposure and arrest. Blogger and rights activist Nguyen Hoang Vi warned that the law could lead to widespread self-censorship, ultimately hindering the development of democratic values in Vietnam. “Many people work quietly but effectively in advancing the universal values of human rights,” she stated. “This decree may encourage self-censorship, where people avoid expressing dissenting views to protect their safety.”

Vietnam’s internet restrictions under Decree 147 bear striking similarities to China’s repressive digital policies. By compelling tech companies to store user data locally and comply with stringent government demands, Vietnam is emulating a model of authoritarian control that prioritizes state power over individual rights. The 2018 cybersecurity law, which drew international criticism, laid the groundwork for such measures, and Decree 147 marks a significant escalation in this trajectory.

The parallels with China highlight a broader trend in which authoritarian regimes seek to dominate cyberspace under the pretext of maintaining order and security. However, these measures come at the cost of fundamental human rights, undermining the internet’s potential as a tool for free expression and democratic engagement.

The ramifications of Decree 147 extend beyond the realm of civil liberties. The law threatens to disrupt Vietnam’s thriving digital economy, which relies heavily on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Live Streaming, a key component of social commerce, is now restricted to verified accounts, creating barriers for entrepreneurs and content creators who depend on these platforms for income.

Game publishers, too, face new challenges, as they are required to enforce time limits for players. With over half of Vietnam’s 100 million citizens engaging in online gaming, these restrictions could alienate a significant portion of the population and dampen the industry’s growth. Critics argue that the government’s heavy-handed approach risks stifling innovation and alienating tech companies, which may reconsider their operations in Vietnam due to the onerous regulatory environment.

The international community must respond to Decree 147 with urgency and resolve. Human rights organizations, foreign governments, and tech companies should pressure Vietnam to repeal this draconian law and respect fundamental freedoms. Diplomatic efforts should emphasize the importance of upholding international norms regarding freedom of expression and privacy.

Tech companies, in particular, face a critical juncture. By complying with the decree, they risk becoming complicit in Vietnam’s repression. Companies must prioritize user privacy and transparency, resisting demands that undermine these principles. While the commercial stakes are high, standing firm against authoritarian overreach is essential to safeguarding digital freedoms.

Decree 147 represents a dark chapter in Vietnam’s ongoing crackdown on dissent. By expanding government control over the internet, the law threatens to erode civil liberties, stifle economic growth, and entrench authoritarianism. The chilling effect on free expression and the risks to activists and ordinary citizens alike cannot be overstated. As Vietnam tightens its grip on cyberspace, the international community must rally to defend the fundamental rights of its people and resist the encroachment of digital authoritarianism.