Implementing a process to handle violations against artists and celebrities who advertise falsely

(CLO) The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has proposed several additional solutions to prevent celebrities and online influencers (KOLs) from making false advertisements online.

According to the Ministry of Information and Communications , the situation of artists, celebrities, and KOLs engaging in false advertising on the internet is becoming increasingly complex and causing many negative consequences. These individuals often exploit their fame and popularity to exaggerate the effects of functional foods, medicines, and cosmetics, deceiving consumers about their use of the products; using their personal reputation to advertise prohibited goods, counterfeit goods, goods of unknown origin, financial services, investments, cryptocurrencies, and illegal lending…

The Ministry of Information and Communications will work with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to implement a process for handling violations by artists and celebrities who advertise falsely.

The most common forms of advertising involve self-posting articles and live streams using one's own social media accounts with a large following; or appearing in images and videos distributed and advertised widely by brands online, primarily on cross-border social media platforms.

However, the handling of these violations has not been thorough, mainly because the 2012 Advertising Law does not yet have regulations on the responsibilities of celebrities, influencers, and KOLs when participating in advertising.

Therefore, there are no binding obligations for celebrities, influencers, or KOLs in cases where advertising content is untrue, or requiring them to research the uses, features, origin, and source of products and services, and to be responsible for the content they advertise.

Meanwhile, the penalties are low and not deterrent enough compared to the income generated from illegal advertising, so the penalties need to be increased.

Therefore, the Ministry of Information and Communications proposes adding the responsibility of celebrities and KOLs to verify advertising information and ensure transparent and safe advertising content to the amended and supplemented Law on Advertising: distinguishing between advertising content and ordinary content; informing viewers about the ongoing advertising; complying with legal regulations on advertising and consumer protection;

It is proposed to add more penalties to ensure deterrence, such as: increasing fines, revoking licenses, recovering income from illegal advertising, and banning activities in the advertising sector.

In addition, the Ministry of Information and Communications, together with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will implement a process for handling violations by artists and celebrities who advertise falsely, in the following direction: Imposing administrative penalties according to the law; Restricting performances, broadcasts, postings, and use of images in newspapers, radio and television, and online environments according to the pilot process already issued (blacklisting).

Additionally, training sessions and legal education programs could be organized for celebrities, KOLs, and influencers to enhance their sense of responsibility when participating in online advertising.

PV

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trien-khai-quy-trinh-xu-ly-vi-pham-doi-voi-nghe-si-nguoi-noi-tieng-quang-cao-sai-su-that-post336549.html