Vietnam implements new decree to combat fake news

Vietnam's Decree No. 328/2026/ND-CP regarding the prevention of fake news and false information officially took effect on October 5, 2026. Under this regulation, individuals or organizations found to be posting, distributing, sharing, or commenting on fake news may have their identities publicly disclosed at their place of residence or workplace.

Authorities may choose various methods for public disclosure based on the severity and consequences of the misinformation. These methods include notifying local residential areas, notifying employers, or publishing warnings on official government websites and mass media outlets. Additionally, once fake news is verified, it must be labeled with a warning such as ‘FAKE NEWS, FALSE INFORMATION’ within 24 hours.

Sharing or commenting on false information may also lead to administrative penalties under Decree No. 174/2026/ND-CP, which has been in effect since July 1, 2026. This includes sanctions for providing or sharing information that is deemed fraudulent, distorted, or defamatory toward the reputation of organizations or the honor and dignity of individuals.