Many users agree with the request to identify social network accounts

Recently, information about the requirement to identify social network accounts of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has received the agreement and support of many users.

Many users agree with the request to identify social media accounts.

The draft Decree amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP, dated July 15, 2013 of the Government on management, provision and use of internet services and information on the network and Decree No. 27/2018/ND-CP, dated March 1, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP, dated July 15, 2013 of the Government on management, provision and use of internet services and information on the network will be issued in 2023, accordingly, it will be applied to foreign social networks such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok... Notably, the draft stipulates that social networks (both domestic and foreign) must identify users and provide identification information to competent authorities upon request. The data to be declared for this request includes real name and phone number. It is expected that social networks operating in Vietnam will only allow identified users to write posts, comment, use the livestream feature... If the above requirements are not met, users will only be able to view content and unidentified accounts will be blocked and handled at different levels. Also according to the draft, social networks are responsible for identifying users, must manage livestream content, and remove it within 3 hours upon request. In case channels and accounts need to provide revenue-generating services, users need to register with the Ministry of Information and Communications ... This is considered a solution to prevent the dissemination and propagation of bad and toxic information, and at the same time prevent subjects from taking advantage of technology to commit crimes in cyberspace.

In fact, in recent times, social networks, especially those using foreign platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube... have been causing many inconveniences and consequences for users. On Facebook, users can freely post and share unverified information, leading to "information noise", even spreading bad and toxic information. In addition, users can also create tens of millions of fake accounts with the purpose of increasing views, making bad comments, and even creating closed groups to lead and create bad public opinion... On YouTube and especially TikTok, there is a flood of "garbage", TikTok's violations have left serious consequences such as creating a favorable environment for fake news to spread, causing economic damage and social instability. Many posts on TikTok encourage young people to imitate and follow bad and offensive trends, distorting perceptions and lifestyles, and corrupting cultural values and customs... Faced with the unpredictable consequences and dangers that social networks bring, social network users must be alert to identify bad information, and at the same time be responsible and accountable for the information they share on social networks.

In Thanh Hoa, in 2022, Thanh Hoa City Police discovered and handled 3 cases of using TikTok application to post information defaming the authorities, posting false information about the security and order situation in the area; at the same time, removed many posts with untrue content.

Senior Lieutenant Le Tat Thanh, an officer of the Security Team, Thanh Hoa City Police, said: It is necessary to have deterrent measures and heavy penalties for TikTok users who violate and harm the community, so that they understand that creating "dirty" content with short-term benefits will have to pay a very high price. At the same time, it is necessary to have a strict and strict management mechanism from the authorities for the operation of the TikTok application. This requires TikTok to ensure that it does not violate privacy, have a mechanism to protect user data information, ensure intellectual property rights and protect children on this application.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Thanh (Nam Ngan Ward, Thanh Hoa City) said: “I completely agree with the proposal to identify users' social network accounts. In my opinion, in addition to familiar social networks such as Facebook, Zalo... the authorities should also apply user identification regulations to all other social network platforms because when there are clear regulations and sanctions, users will be aware and responsible for their posts and shared information on social networks.”

Sharing the same opinion, Mr. Trinh Minh Hung (Phu Son ward, Thanh Hoa city) shared: Identifying social network accounts will force people who want to use the network to use their real identities. This will make users more responsible for their postings, comments, and statements. In addition, identifying users will also help limit the current widespread fraud and attacks on cyberspace. If fraud occurs, authorities will also rely on identification information to easily detect and handle violations.

Identifying social network accounts is essential for a healthy and civilized network environment, and at the same time helps the legal system to be applied consistently. However, the application in practice also poses many challenges in the identification process because it requires providing personal information such as citizen identification number, real name, owner phone number, hometown data, residential address... If there are no strict security measures, users' personal information can be leaked, abused or forged.

Article and photos: Linh Huong

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