You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

February 20, 2025

A Closer Look at Vietnam’s Decree 147 on Internet Services and Online Information

Subscribe to Updates

Vietnam’s Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP on the management, provision, and use of internet services and online information (Decree 147) was issued on November 9, 2024, and came into effect on December 25, 2024. Decree 147 represents a more stringently regulated digital landscape in Vietnam, creating challenges not only for offshore service providers offering cross-border services but also for onshore providers. As these new regulations impose stricter requirements, particularly in areas like content control, user authentication, data storage, and service license/notification, companies will need to adapt quickly to maintain compliance and minimize legal risks.

The following are some of the key topics covered by Decree 147.

[Note: Shortly after the issuance of Decree 147, Vietnam began a government restructuring process, with the aim of streamlining the government by consolidating and eliminating various ministries and agencies. Thus, the decree’s references to authorities such as the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) are subject to change.]

1. Cross-Border Information Provision

Cross-border information provision is defined broadly as the provision by overseas organizations and individuals of information and online information content services for service users in Vietnam to access or use. This wide-ranging definition encompasses various types of cross-border services, including social network services, online game services, and app store services. However, cross-border provision of online game services remains prohibited under Decree 147 (see further details below).

Offshore providers of services on a cross-border basis who lease data storage in Vietnam or meet a threshold of 100,000 or more total visits per month from Vietnam for six consecutive months (“regulated cross-border providers”) must adhere to stricter requirements. Specifically, they are required to, among other requirements:

  • Notify the relevant authority of their contact information, including the location of the main server providing the service, within 60 days of reaching the total visit threshold.
  • Inspect, monitor, prevent, and remove any content, services, and applications that violate the law within 24 hours from the time of a request from the relevant authority, and within 48 hours of receiving complaints from Vietnamese users regarding content, services, and applications that violate Article 8 of the Cybersecurity Law (which lists a wide range of prohibited acts in cyberspace, such as cyberterrorism, spreading malware, and advertising or trading in banned goods/services).
  • Store personal data of users from Vietnam, such as full name, date of birth, email, and Vietnamese mobile phone number (or ID number), and delete this data when the storage period expires.
  • Provide information of users from Vietnam to the relevant authority upon request for investigation and for law enforcement purposes.
  • Authenticate social network user accounts via users’ Vietnamese mobile phone numbers or ID numbers if they do not have Vietnamese mobile phone numbers, or if they use the livestream feature for commercial purposes; and ensuring that only verified accounts can post information (write posts or comments, livestream) and share content on social networks.
  • Classify and display warnings of content that is not suitable for children.
  • Receive and handle complaints from service users.
  • Provide tools for searching and scanning content as requested by the relevant authority.
  • Report annually to the relevant authority on their service provision to users from Vietnam and on an ad hoc basis regarding matters of national security, social order, and emergency upon the authority’s request.

Failure to comply with these obligations allows the relevant authority to enforce technical measures to block non-compliant content, services, and applications, as well as impose administrative penalties.

Only cross-border service providers who have notified the relevant authority of their contact information are allowed to provide livestream features or provide revenue-generating activities in any form.

2. Social Network Services

Regulated offshore social network service providers will be required to meet the obligations outlined above on cross-border information provision.

Onshore social network services, offered by organizations or enterprises with legal status in Vietnam, are categorized as either “high-visitor” or “low-visitor” based on the number of regular visitors. The high-visitor category includes social networks with total monthly visits of 10,000 or more (based on a monthly average over six consecutive months) or with more than 1,000 regular users in a month (“regular” is not further defined). High-visitor onshore social network service providers are required to obtain a license from the relevant authority to operate, while low-visitor providers must obtain a notification confirmation from the authority to provide social network services.

Only licensed onshore providers are permitted to provide livestream features or engage in revenue-generating activities of any kind. Therefore, if a low-visitor onshore provider intends to offer livestream features or revenue-generated services, it must apply for a social network service license.

Onshore social network service providers face stricter requirements than regulated offshore social network service providers as they must additionally meet obligations including having at least one server in Vietnam to serve investigations and information provision at the request of the relevant authority, connecting to the monitoring system of the relevant authority for statistics and user access monitoring, and being subject to inspections by the authority.

Within 90 days from the effective date of Decree 147 (i.e., by March 25, 2025), both onshore and regulated offshore social network service providers are required to authenticate the identities of their active users. Additionally, within this same timeline, licensed onshore social network service providers are required to review and report to the relevant authority the number of total visits per month from Vietnam for six consecutive months, as well as the number of regular users per month.

Both onshore and offshore social network service providers must temporarily or permanently block social network accounts, community pages, community groups, and content channels that frequently violate the law. Temporary blocking will be applied at the relevant authority’s request when these accounts, community pages/groups, or channels have been found to violate the law at least five times within a 30-day period or at least 10 times within a 90-day period. The temporary block must be implemented within 24 hours of the relevant authority’s request and will last from 7 to 30 days, depending on the number and severity of the violations. A permanent block will be enforced when such accounts, community pages/groups, or channels publish illegal content that impacts national security or have previously been temporarily blocked at least three times as per request from the relevant authority.

If onshore social network service providers do not comply with the request of the relevant authority, the authority will suspend the provision of social networking services or revoke the license.

3. Online Game Services

Decree 147 expressly provides that offshore entities providing online game services to users in Vietnam must establish an enterprise in compliance with the decree and with regulations on foreign investment to provide such services. As a result, the cross-border provision of online games remains prohibited.

Online games are still categorized into four types: G1 games have interaction among multiple players via the game server; G2 games only have interaction between players and the game server; G3 games have interaction among multiple players without interaction between players and the game server; and G4 games are downloaded from the internet without interaction among players or between players and the game server.

Enterprises may provide G1 games after obtaining a license to provide G1 game services and a decision on release of a G1 game. Meanwhile, to provide G2, G3, and G4 games, enterprises must obtain a certificate of game service provision and a notification confirmation of G2, G3, or G4 game release. The license to provide G1 game services and certificate of game service provision for G2, G3 and G4 game services have a 10-year maximum duration while the decision and notification confirmation of game release has a 5-year maximum duration.

Decree 147 explicitly introduces regulations that prohibit the release of online games that feature content and scenarios resembling prizewinning games in casinos or games using images of playing cards. This regulation is designed to prevent transformation of online games into gambling activities in the virtual realm.

The main responsibilities of online game service providers include:

  • Having at least one server in Vietnam to serve the purposes of investigations by the relevant authority and handling of user complaints.
  • Having a website that introduces and provides services, displaying required information such as age-based game classification, rules for handling complaints and disputes, and details about the service provider.
  • Implementing measures to mitigate the negative impacts of each game, including registering, storing, authenticating, and managing player content and information, and ensuring that only players who provide complete and accurate information can participate, and players are warned about the effects of excessive gameplay.
  • Implementing technical measures to manage forums, shared content, and interactions between players.
  • Not advertising online games without a decision on G1 game release or notification confirmation of G2, G3, or G4 game release.
  • Submitting service provision reports regularly every six months and on an ad hoc basis when requested by the relevant authority.
  • Being subject to inspections, examinations, and enforcement actions by the relevant authority.
  • Connecting to legitimate payment methods only.
  • Storing player information for the duration of service use and for six months after a player stops using the service. Providers must also establish a system to connect to the national population database to verify player information upon request by the relevant authority.

4. App Store Services

Regulated cross-border app store service providers will be required to meet the obligations outlined above for cross-border information provision. Additionally, they are required to remove any apps that violate the law within 24 hours of receiving a request from the relevant authority; comply with Vietnamese payment regulations; and ensure that any online game service providers offering services to users in Vietnam provide the decision on G1 game release or notification confirmation of G2, G3, G4 game release before uploading their games to the app store.

5. Telecom, Internet, Web Hosting, Data Center, and Telecom Application Services

Telecom, internet, web hosting, data center and telecom application service providers are required to report to the relevant authority within 24 hours of self-discovery or receipt of feedback or complaints from users about content, services, and applications that violate Article 8 of the Cybersecurity Law; remove infringing content within 24 hours of request from the relevant authority; and handle requests and complaints about intellectual property in accordance with intellectual property laws. Additionally, they are required to submit annual reports to the relevant authority on data storage rental services provided in Vietnam to foreign entities for providing cross-border information to Vietnamese users, as well as ad hoc reports when requested by the relevant authority.

Telecom and internet enterprises must also, among other obligations:

  • Implement necessary technical measures to block access to content, services, and applications that violate the law within 24 hours of receiving a request from the relevant authority, e.g., Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05) of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
  • Implement measures to monitor, collect, and detect information that violates the law at the request of the relevant authority (for violations of copyright and intellectual property, in compliance with intellectual property law).
  • Provide information and data related to telecom and internet subscribers suspected of violations to enable accurate identification of offenders, upon request from the relevant authority, e.g., A05 under the MPS.
  • Refuse, suspend, or terminate connections to online games without proper licenses or certificates to provide game services or decisions/notification confirmations for game release.
  • Comply with the relevant authority’s requests to coordinate, report, and carry out other measures as requested by the authority.

6. Public Internet Access Points

Owners of public internet access points in hotels, restaurants, airports, coffee shops, and other public spaces who offer paid internet access services must register as internet agency businesses and sign internet agency contracts, while those offering the services for free are not required to do so.

Internet agents are required to display an “internet agent” sign with their registration number. If the location also serves as a public online gaming point or public internet access point, this information must also be clearly indicated on the sign. When providing online game services, internet agents also have the responsibilities of an owner of a public online gaming point. Additionally, they must not organize or allow internet users to use computer features at their business location to perform prohibited acts.

Related Professionals

Industries

Technology

Location

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

May 22, 2026
On May 8, 2026, the Thai government held a press conference to announce a coordinated, multiagency initiative to strengthen oversight and enforcement over products sold on online platforms. The initiative involves the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency, the Thailand Consumers Council, the Consumer Protection Police Division, and major online platform operators. With this appointment, the government has signaled a deliberate shift from a predominantly reactive enforcement framework toward a more proactive regulatory and monitoring approach for online commerce and digital platform services. Legal and Regulatory Reform The government is accelerating a proposed Product Liability Law that would introduce new statutory frameworks for defective or substandard products, along with amendments to food safety and consumer protection legislation. The draft law has already been approved by the cabinet; the Council of State and relevant authorities will further draft the law and subsequently issue it for public hearings prior to enactment. Authorities also plan to expand enforcement measures against noncompliant businesses and distributors. In particular: The implementation of stricter “know your merchant” (KYM) identity verification requirements for online sellers. Expanded mandatory standards and regulatory oversight for high-risk products, such as power banks, electrical appliances, food products, and household goods. Increased monitoring of online product listings, and coordination with platform operators to remove unsafe, counterfeit, misleading, or otherwise noncompliant products. Additional monitoring and enforcement measures targeting online scams and illegal goods distributed through digital platforms, including e-cigarettes, which authorities identified as a growing concern due to increasing online distribution channels and potential health impact on young consumers. Strengthening Consumer Complaint Mechanisms The government announced increased cooperation with the Thailand Consumers Council and other agencies to facilitate complaint handling, market monitoring, and policy recommendations. Enhanced interagency coordination will aim to ensure that consumer
Read More
May 19, 2026
Thailand’s telecommunications regulator has introduced a range of new compliance obligations for telecom licensees aimed at preventing and suppressing technology crime. On May 15, 2026, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) published in the Government Gazette Notification on Measures for Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crime No. 2, which amends the original NBTC notification dated August 24, 2025. The amendment derives its authority from the Emergency Decree on Measures for Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crime B.E. 2566 (2023), as amended in 2025, and took effect on May 16, 2026. SIM Card Registration Cap for Non-Thai Nationals Persons without Thai nationality are now limited to a maximum of three SIM cards per person per service provider. Identity verification must be done primarily via passport. For those without a passport, acceptable alternatives include travel documents or certificates of identity issued by foreign governments, accompanied by additional Thai government-issued documents, as well as pink ID cards (for persons without Thai nationality) and white ID cards (for persons without registration status). Registration must be done in person at a branch or authorized dealer. Service providers must develop their identity verification systems and obtain NBTC approval before deployment. SIM Activation Deadline and SIM Box Prohibition Both Thai and non-Thai service users must activate their registered SIM within 60 days of registration. If they fail to do so, they must re-verify their identity in person before activation, confirming they are the same person who originally registered. Service providers must prohibit SIM box and gateway devices capable of supporting four or more SIMs from connecting to their mobile networks unless the device has received a license under the Radio Communications Act. Blacklist Enforcement Service providers must refuse registration of additional mobile numbers for persons listed on a technology crime-related database maintained by the Royal
Read More
May 6, 2026
Thailand has introduced new requirements for online social media platforms to verify the identity of paying advertisers before publishing their advertisements. On May 5, 2026, the Electronic Transactions Commission published the Notification on Measures for Prevention of Technology Crime for Online Social Media (No. 2) in the Government Gazette. The notification, which aims to prevent technology crimes such as fraud and scams, takes effect 180 days after publication (i.e., on November 1, 2026). Mandatory Advertiser Identity Verification Online social media service providers must verify the identity of every advertiser before publishing an advertisement. Verification remains valid for up to one year from the most recent verification date. The notification requires social media providers to use either of the following methods when verifying advertisers: Document-based verification: Examine government-issued identity documents (e.g., national ID, passport, or juristic person registration certificate), cross-check the connection between the advertiser and the identity documents (e.g., facial comparison with photo ID), and ensure that the identity documents are verifiable against reliable sources. Digital identity verification: Use an identity verification system with a level of assurance no lower than that prescribed by the Electronic Transactions Commission. Advertiser Data Collection and Retention Service providers must collect and retain certain data—including name, identification number, and contact details—from the start of the advertising service and for a minimum of 90 days after the end of the advertising service relationship. The same requirements apply where there is a third-party payer, such as an ad agency. Implications for Affected Businesses The notification raises two key areas of concern for affected businesses: Social media platforms must implement know-your-advertiser (KYA) onboarding as described above, including document upload and identity matching processes. The 180-day implementation window requires immediate technical and operational planning. The collection and retention of national ID cards, passport copies, and other personal
Read More
April 30, 2026
Vietnam’s Decree No. 134/2026/ND‑CP, which took effect on 9 April 2026, plays an important role in detailing and implementing Vietnam’s Intellectual Property (IP) Law in the context of rapid digital transformation and the growing application of artificial intelligence (AI). The new decree provides comprehensive guidance on the application of copyright and related‑rights regulations, addressing key issues such as authorship, ownership, statutory exceptions and limitations, registration procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. Through these measures, Decree 134 seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between safeguarding the legitimate interests of rightsholders and fostering innovation, research, and technological advancement, thereby strengthening the state’s framework for the effective management, protection, and exploitation of intellectual property in the digital and AI‑driven environment. Some notable aspects of Decree 134 are discussed below. Copyright for AI-Created Works Decree 134 provides important guidance on the determination of copyright and related rights in works created with the assistance of AI. Article 5a reaffirms the principle that human creativity remains central to copyright protection, clarifying that copyright or related rights arise only where a human makes a substantial and decisive intellectual contribution, exercises effective control over the creative outcome, and assumes responsibility for the content and its legality. At the same time, the provision confirms that AI is regarded solely as a technological tool rather than a rights‑holding subject, thus ensuring consistency with the fundamental concepts of authorship and ownership under the IP Law. By introducing requirements on transparency, proof of human contribution, and compliance with AI‑specific labelling and technical marking obligations, Decree 134 establishes a clear and enforceable legal framework for the responsible use of AI in creative activities. Lawful Use of Copyrighted Texts and Data Article 37a of Decree 134 sets out the specific conditions under which copyrighted texts and data may be lawfully used for scientific research, experimentation,
Read More