Strengthening the handling of the "newspaperization" of general electronic information sites and social networks

The Ministry of Information and Communications is implementing various measures to rectify and address the issue of general news websites and social networks becoming like newspapers.

To concretize the resolution, the Ministry of Information and Communications issued Plan No. 1050/KH-BTTTT dated March 25, 2024, focusing on rectifying the "journalistic" phenomenon and strictly managing journalistic and media activities in cyberspace.

In accordance with the plan of the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Department of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information (PTTH&TTĐT) has implemented key solutions including:

(1) Popularize the "Criteria for identifying 'journalistic' magazines, 'journalistic' general electronic information pages, 'journalistic' social networks and manifestations of 'privatization' of the press" issued in Decision No. 1418/QD-BTTTT dated July 22, 2022 of the Minister of Information and Communications so that the assessment and identification of 'journalistic' general electronic information pages and social networks are clear and public, and serve as a basis for effectively handling this situation.

(2) Strengthen the scanning and listing of general electronic information pages and social networks with many "journalistic" characteristics to monitor and supervise.

(3) Conduct work, inspection and examination of general electronic information pages and social networks that have many "journalistic" manifestations in the list of journalistic sites.

(4) Tighten the licensing of general electronic information websites and social networks.

(5) Send written documents to press agencies, organizations, and businesses operating general electronic information websites and social networks to request them to strengthen management, help organizations and businesses operating general electronic information websites and social networks to recognize and not violate the regulations of the law, especially regulations related to "journalism"; Guide and urge the Departments of Information and Communications to strengthen the management, licensing and rectification of the operation of general electronic information websites and social networks.

The Department of Broadcasting and Electronic Information has reviewed, assessed, and compiled a list of 60 general information websites and social networks showing signs of becoming "journalistic" for close monitoring, correction, and handling. Accordingly, the Department of Broadcasting and Electronic Information has coordinated with units of the Ministry and Departments of Information and Communications to handle and correct 55 out of 60 cases. Three licenses for establishing general information websites and social networks have been revoked.

As of October 20, 2024, the Department of Broadcasting and Electronic Information had conducted inspections and corrective actions on 5 businesses operating in the field of electronic information websites and social networks; imposing administrative penalties on 14 cases, totaling VND 545,000,000 (Five hundred and forty-five million dong). Of these, 2 cases involved the additional penalty of forced domain name revocation; and 5 cases involved the additional penalty of temporary license suspension. The main violations included: Establishing a general information website without a license; Failing to comply with regulations in the license for establishing a general information website; Incomplete registration, storage, and management of personal information of individuals establishing personal websites on social networks; Failure to submit periodic reports; Providing services not in accordance with the regulations in the license for establishing a social network. Failure to cite sources as required.

In addition, the Department of Broadcasting and Electronic Information has forwarded 54 cases to the Department of Information Security, the Vietnam Internet Center, and the Departments of Information and Communications in provinces and cities to prevent and handle violations in the operation of general electronic information websites and social networks.

With close coordination between the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Departments of Information and Communications, and relevant agencies, the management and handling of the "journalistic" phenomenon has achieved remarkable results, contributing to building a healthy and transparent information environment. The Ministry of Information and Communications will continue to implement comprehensive solutions to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of online information management.

Source: https://mic.gov.vn/tang-cuong-xu-ly-tinh-trang-bao-hoa-trang-thong-tin-dien-tu-tong-hop-mang-xa-hoi-19724122505551946.htm