Vietnam's Cinema Department tightens online short film regulations

Vietnam's Cinema Department has issued a directive requiring digital platforms and organizations to review and tighten the management of short films distributed online. This move follows observations that many short film products are being circulated without meeting legal requirements regarding authorized distributors, content classification, and child protection.

Authorities noted that while short videos have been a trend for years, a new wave of short films—often supported by AI to reduce production costs—has emerged in 2026. These films frequently use algorithms to attract viewers through provocative content and direct monetization models. Officials emphasized that some content may bypass strict censorship by staying just below the threshold of explicit violations while still conveying harmful or distorted messages.

Under the 2022 Cinema Law, entities distributing films online must be legally recognized organizations and must implement proper classification systems, such as rating boards or technical software, before distribution. The Cinema Department has requested that platforms immediately review their content and ensure all legal obligations, including the display of age ratings and the notification of film lists, are strictly followed.