Vietnam Says Facebook Is Acting Illegally

Vietnam has accused Facebook of violating a new cybersecurity law by refusing to scrub anti-government content from its site, the first reprimand since the controversial bill came into effect days ago. 

The law, which went live January 1 and has drawn criticism from the US, the EU and web freedom groups, requires internet companies to remove “toxic content” and hand over user data when requested by authorities.

It also stipulates that companies should host servers in the one-party state, including banks and e-commerce companies, sparking fears of data and privacy breaches and cybersecurity threats.

State broadcaster Vietnam Television reported Wednesday 9th January that Facebook failed to take down pages allegedly calling for anti-government activities, citing requests from the Ministry of Information and Communications.
The ministry sent several letters and emails requesting the removals, according to the report.

But Facebook “delayed and even failed to remove information, claiming the information did not violate community standards,” VTV reported.

Vietnam also accused the company of hosting advertisements for “illegal products” including counterfeit money, fake goods, weapons and firecrackers, the report added. The consequences for violating the law are expected to be laid out in a decree which has yet to be made public.

Vietnam has said the bill is designed to improve cybersecurity in the country, but critics say the legislation, which mirrors China’s draconian internet rules, is aimed at silencing online dissent. In a statement to AFP Wednesday, Facebook said it is “transparent about the content restrictions we make pursuant with local law in our Transparency Report.”

“We have a clear process for governments to report illegal content to us, and we review all these requests against our terms of service and local law,” a spokeswoman told AFP.

Social media is a crucial platform for activists in communist Vietnam, where all independent press and public protests are banned. Facebook is by far the most popular tool for activists, though several have complained to AFP in recent months that posts have disappeared and accounts been blocked. 

Unlike in China, social media and instant messaging services like WhatsApp are not banned, and analysts say the cybersecurity law is a means to control online expression without banning services, a move that would likely cause widespread outcry.

There are more than 53 million Facebook users in Vietnam, over half of the population, many of whom use the site as a crucial platform for business and commerce. 

NST

You Might Also Read:

Great Wall: China Bans Foreign Online Publishing:

« The Impact Of Tech Disruption On Jobs
Zimbabwe Orders Internet Disconnected »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC - the first, easy-to-use, enterprise-grade information security solution for compliance and risk management - offers businesses efficient control tracking, testing, and enforcement.

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO is the market leader in HPE Non-Stop Security, Risk Management and Compliance.

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

Practice Labs

Practice Labs

Practice Labs is an IT competency hub, where live-lab environments give access to real equipment for hands-on practice of essential cybersecurity skills.

Hack Miami

Hack Miami

HackMiami is the premier resource in South Florida for highly skilled hackers that specialize in vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, digital forensics, and all manner of IT security.

Cyber Exec

Cyber Exec

Cyber Exec is an executive search firm dedicated to global talent acquisition in Cyber Security, Information Technology, Defense...

ASU Online - Information Technology Program

ASU Online - Information Technology Program

The Information Technology program at ASU Online provides you with the expertise to design, select, implement and administer computer-based information solutions.

PartnerRe

PartnerRe

PartnerRe Ltd. provides multi-line reinsurance to insurance companies on a worldwide basis. Services include Cyber Risk.

GuidePoint Security

GuidePoint Security

GuidePoint Security provide information security solutions that enable commercial and federal organizations to more successfully achieve their security and business goals.

ECOS Technology

ECOS Technology

ECOS Technology specializes in the development and sale of IT solutions for high-security remote access as well as the management of certificates and smart cards.

MER Group

MER Group

MER Group is a world-leading integrator in the areas of communications and security. MER cyber solutions cover the entire range of cyber and intelligence related products and services.

VietSunshine

VietSunshine

VietSunshine is a leading provider of network security infrastructure and solutions in Vietnam.

Naoris

Naoris

Naoris is the world’s first holistic blockchain-based cybersecurity ecosystem, bringing a game-changing solution to address 35 years of industry similar practice.

Dashlane

Dashlane

Dashlane puts all your passwords, payments, and personal info in one place that only you control. So you can use them instantly. Securely. Exactly when you need them.

Cira Info Tech

Cira Info Tech

Cira InfoTech’s cyber security and network consulting and managed services deliver unmatched talented resources and capabilities required to design and build an agile and adaptive IT environment.

Blok Cyber Security

Blok Cyber Security

Blok provide small businesses and sole traders, with affordable, managed Cyber Security Packages that offer immediate protection and peace of mind.

Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group - University of Plymouth

Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group - University of Plymouth

The Maritime Cyber Threats research group of the University of Plymouth is focused on investigating marine cyber threats and researching solutions.

Winbond Electronics

Winbond Electronics

Winbond is a Specialty memory IC company. Product lines include Code Storage Flash Memory, TrustME® Secure Flash, Specialty DRAM and Mobile DRAM.

DV Cyber Security

DV Cyber Security

DV Cyber (formerly A76) is an innovative cyber security company vertically focused on Threat Intelligence and Cyber Security Research.

CoinCover

CoinCover

Blockchain technology is changing everything. However, it brings its own set of unique risks. Coincover ensures everyone is protected, enabling them to innovate freely, without constraints.