Businesses should review and avoid using pirated software.

The Copyright Office has instructed individuals and organizations to review and refrain from using pirated software. (Illustrative image: Adobe Stock)

On May 9th, the Government Information website published a directive from the Copyright Office, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, regarding a review of compliance with copyright regulations. The Office sent requests to organizations, businesses, and individuals operating in the fields of computer programs, films, music , publishing, journalism, television programs, and online video games.

In the document, the management unit requested the aforementioned individuals and organizations to review and strictly comply with the legal regulations on copyright and related rights in their professional activities. Specifically, the Copyright Office stated that businesses must not use unlicensed computer software, and must not illegally exploit or use copyright and related rights related to works, performances, sound recordings, video recordings, or broadcast programs.

According to government information, authorities will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with regulations on computer program copyright at businesses, as well as copyright for films, music, television programs, and video games on the internet.

Starting May 7th, numerous websites and platforms in Vietnam that violated copyright in publishing, television, film, and video games simultaneously shut down. This move comes amidst the continuous issuance of policies related to copyright protection in the digital environment.

Most recently, on May 5th, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed Official Dispatch No. 38/CD-TTg requesting a nationwide crackdown on intellectual property violations from May 7th to 30th. The dispatch emphasized the handling of websites that distribute films, television programs, and digital content that infringe on copyright.

Previously, the Resolution on the Development of Vietnamese Culture, passed by the National Assembly at the end of April, also identified the protection of copyright and digital cultural sovereignty as part of cultural security in the online environment. The Resolution mentioned strengthening the scanning, monitoring, and handling of acts of disseminating infringing content.

In March, the Ministry of Public Security sought feedback on a draft decree on administrative penalties for violations in the field of cybersecurity and personal data protection. The draft proposed fines of 10 to 20 million VND for the illegal digitization and distribution of electronic publications for sharing or profit. At that time, numerous groups sharing unlicensed ebooks also announced their closure.

Source: https://znews.vn/doanh-nghiep-ra-soat-khong-su-dung-phan-mem-lau-post1650192.html