KOLs and KOCs lack legal knowledge: A warning from regulatory authorities.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Director Le Quang Tu Do stated that many KOLs and KOCs (Key Opinion Leaders) are not yet familiar with legal regulations despite their significant influence. Authorities affirm that they will both support and tighten the accountability of content creators.

"Many KOLs and KOCs still lack understanding of the law," emphasized Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information, at the Vietnam iContent 2025 event held on November 29 in Ho Chi Minh City.

KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) are influential figures in the community, such as artists, experts, and celebrities. Meanwhile, KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) are influential consumers who review products and directly impact other consumers' purchasing decisions.

Sharing his thoughts on recent cases of content creators facing legal troubles, Mr. Le Quang Tu Do stated that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's stance is to create conditions for the development of the content creation ecosystem, but this must be accompanied by requirements for social responsibility.

"Each product can reach millions of people. The greater the influence, the greater the responsibility. An inappropriate statement can have negative consequences for the community," he said.

According to the Director, the "restrictive" measures recently issued by the Ministry are not intended to "ban broadcasting" but rather to serve as a reminder, giving individuals time to reconsider their behavior. "This is not the end of their careers," Mr. Tu Do affirmed.

Alongside providing support, the Ministry also applies deterrent sanctions against individuals who repeatedly violate the rules, and may even pursue criminal prosecution if the offense is serious. He hopes that the cases that have been dealt with will serve as a lesson for the entire industry, helping KOLs and KOCs understand the law correctly and create responsibly.

Mr. Le Quang Tu Do - Director of the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information (Photo: Organizing Committee of Vietnam iContent 2025).

Mr. Tu Do argued that in the context of a rapidly changing digital environment, even regulatory agencies must constantly update their knowledge and technology to keep up with new trends.

The Director also emphasized the responsibility of platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok in coordinating the dissemination of legal knowledge, building filters, and establishing mechanisms to warn against infringing content.

Finally, he affirmed that state management agencies must proactively apply technology in monitoring, while maintaining regular connections with the creative community to promptly provide information, guide media communication, and raise legal awareness for KOLs and KOCs.

Regarding support policies for digital content creators, Permanent Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh said that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is focusing on four major directions.

Firstly, the legal framework should be perfected through Resolution 173, the Advertising Law, and related documents, in order to create a safe operating environment for the creative community.

Secondly, the Ministry is committed to supporting creators in meeting the two criteria of being "correct" and "appropriate"—that is, complying with the law and aligning with user trends and psychology. In the context of a still-developing legal framework for digital life worldwide , the Ministry calls on the community to identify and report any legal gaps.

Third, provide accurate information and reliable data to enable creators to develop their abilities.

Fourth, strengthen connections not only between the creative community and regulatory agencies, but also aim to build a healthy digital ecosystem that brings positive value and creates a unique identity for Vietnamese creativity.

Regarding concerns about both attracting viewers and maintaining standards, Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh emphasized that the root of creativity lies in human values.

"What resonates with the audience isn't special effects or gimmicks, but what comes from the heart. Creators need kindness, pride in their country and roots, and a passion for creativity. By maintaining these three elements, the content will naturally spread," he said.

The Deputy Minister affirmed that the management agency is ready to support creators through five approaches: guiding values; providing official information; organizing training; creating an environment for exchange; and ensuring content complies with the law.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/kol-koc-thieu-hieu-biet-phap-luat-canh-bao-tu-co-quan-quan-ly-20251130130746788.htm