Social media channels of news organizations are legally recognized as journalistic products.

Along with print newspapers, electronic newspapers, radio and television, social media content channels have become an official form of press products and must fully comply with legal regulations.

On the morning of December 10th, the National Assembly passed the amended Press Law. The law will take effect from July 1st, 2026.

Tighten accountability for media outlets on digital platforms.

Compared to the current law, the newly passed law has six new points: clearly defining types of journalism in the new context; supplementing policies for journalism development and ensuring resources for implementation, from financial mechanisms to infrastructure investment and tax incentives in a more feasible way.

Clarify the operating conditions for the press, the licensing mechanism, and the organizational structure; identify key multimedia press agencies, representative offices, and resident correspondents.

Specific regulations on press cards, legal responsibility for information content; the right to request correction and removal of infringing information on platforms.

完善 regulations on managing journalistic activities in cyberspace and the application of new technologies, including regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

On the morning of December 10th, with 437 out of 440 delegates voting in favor, the National Assembly passed the amended Press Law.

This is the first time that the concept of "content channels of press agencies on the internet" has been codified into law, and detailed regulations have been established regarding the responsibilities of press agencies operating on digital platforms.

The addition of this concept is linked to the requirement to tighten content accountability and ensure unified management between mainstream newspapers and media channels on social media platforms operated by news agencies.

Along with print newspapers, electronic newspapers, radio and television, social media content channels have become an official form of press products and must fully comply with legal regulations.

Accordingly, a media organization's online content channel is defined as an information channel established by the media organization on a social network to provide, transmit, collect, exchange, share information, and connect the community of social network users. This channel must have a consistent identifying mark when established on different social networks.

Press agencies are responsible for the content and copyright when publishing or broadcasting information. Information content must be updated on official news outlets and fully archived in accordance with regulations on electronic press archiving.

Regulations concerning leading multimedia news agencies

Regarding regulations on leading multimedia press agencies, the law stipulates that there are various types of press and affiliated press agencies; they have specific financial mechanisms; and they are established in accordance with the strategy for developing and managing the press system approved by the Prime Minister .

The press, radio and television agencies under the provincial and municipal Party Committees have many types of press and press products.

Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Social Affairs Nguyen Dac Vinh explains the feedback received before voting to pass the law.

In the report explaining and incorporating feedback before the law was passed, the Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Society, Nguyen Dac Vinh, stated that some opinions suggested piloting a model of a multi-media leading press complex or corporation in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Standing Committee of the National Assembly has received and reported that the Government has directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to summarize the Plan for the Development and Management of the Press, and is expected to propose to the competent authorities to continue implementing some of the Plan's viewpoints and add new viewpoints. This includes the content regarding the establishment of leading multi-media press agencies in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Based on the direction and approval of competent authorities, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will specify these contents in the Strategy for development and management of the press system, ensuring feasibility, consistency and conformity with the national press development orientation.

Another suggestion was to allow provincial and municipal Party committees to establish their own multi-media flagship media outlets if they meet the necessary conditions.

Regarding this matter, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly informed that the Party Central Committee had issued Decision 373 regulating the functions, tasks, and organizational structure of press, radio, and television agencies under the Party Committees of provinces and cities. Therefore, the draft law does not stipulate a model for a multi-media flagship press agency under the provincial or city Party Committee.

If approved by the competent authority as a leading multi-media press agency, it will be permitted to have affiliated press agencies, including press agencies of provinces and cities.

Furthermore, the Law also stipulates that in the case of issuing a journalist's card for the first time, the applicant must have worked continuously at the requesting media agency for at least two years up to the time of application and have completed a training course on journalism skills and professional ethics.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/kenh-mang-xa-hoi-cua-co-quan-bao-chi-duoc-luat-hoa-la-san-pham-bao-chi-238251210145857922.htm