Vietnam Considers Media Law Revisions, Focusing on Online regulation and Revenue Sharing
Vietnam is currently reviewing revisions to its press law, with a significant focus on regulating online platforms, protecting media copyright, and establishing a more equitable economic framework for media organizations. The discussions, held within the National Assembly, highlight the goverment’s intent to address challenges posed by the digital landscape and ensure a enduring future for journalism.
A key point of contention revolves around the responsibilities of social networking platforms. Members of Parliament (DBQH) are pushing for legally binding requirements for these platforms to actively prevent and address the spread of malicious facts, fake news, and misinformation.This includes clarifying their obligations in policing content.
Copyright protection in the online sphere is also a major concern. Experts like Chanda have emphasized the need for clearer definitions of media copyright to combat rampant piracy on social networks, wich negatively impacts both copyright holders and information openness. In response, the draft law now includes Article 39, paragraph 2, which mandates that organizations and individuals utilizing journalistic works must secure agreements with media organizations in accordance with existing legal provisions.
The revisions also address the impact of cross-border platforms. government Decree No. 147, concerning the Management of Internet Services and Online Information Provision, requires these platforms to remove infringing content within 24 hours of a request from Vietnamese authorities.
Economic sustainability for media organizations is another critical area. Lawmakers have suggested a revenue-sharing model with online platforms, requiring them to contribute financially to the institutions whose content they distribute.The Standing Committee of the Culture and Society Committee and the lead agency are currently reviewing provisions related to income sources from business activities, aiming to favor public investment and create a more autonomous financial mechanism.
National Assembly Speaker Tran Thanh Man praised the drafting agency for incorporating numerous suggestions from the National Assembly Standing Committee and lawmakers.He highlighted the focus of the revisions on key areas including growth mechanisms, online media management, media coverage, safety protection, licensing, and the legal status of media professionals.
Moreover, the draft law proposes a standardized preferential tax policy for all media types, setting a corporate income tax rate of 10% across the board, a reduction from the previous 20% for some media outlets.
the legislation addresses the emerging challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). The draft stipulates that media organizations and authors can utilize AI only to support journalistic activities, while strictly adhering to intellectual property regulations and professional ethics. Media organizations will be responsible for internally regulating the use of AI within their operations.
Source: https://ko.laodong.vn/thoi-su/du-thao-luat-bao-chi-con-bo-ngo-hanh-vi-de-doa-nha-bao-tren-khong-gian-mang-1614766.ldo and https://sau-8-nam-thi-hanh-luat-bao-chi-1615000.ldo
