Sharing fake news on social media will be fined from April

The prime minister has just signed Decree 15 outlining administrative fines on sharing fake news

This was regulated in Clause 101 of the latest Decree No.15/2020/ND-CP. Accordingly, users of social networks uploading or sharing fake news will be fined for VND10-20 million ($435-870).

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has just signed Decree 15 outlining the administrative fines for violations in telecommunications, radio frequency, technology information, and e-transactions. In addition to the penalties, the new law also stipulates measures to recover damages and the relevant court to pass sentence for such violations.

The VND10-20 million ($435-870) fine is also applied for harmful news that cause public panic, rouse violence, social evils, and gambling. Moreover, sharing messages encouraging unsound customs, promoting depraved cultural products, or detailing murderous actions will draw similar fines.

Besides, VND20-30 million ($870-1,304) fines will also be awarded for revealing state or individual secrets.

With the coronavirus outbreak causing a huge stir, many Facebook accounts have posted untrue news about the epidemic, causing public panic and affecting local people's life. Authorities have inspected and required the platform to immediately remove the harmful information and issued fines.

On January 26, Haiphong Police cracked down on an individual posting the news, "Haiphong recorded a Corona-suspious person who has been isolated in Viet Tiep hospital..." According to the police and the city Department of Health, Viet Tiep Hospital has no corona-suspected cases.

In the evening of January 27, the Facebook account of Nhii Anhh in the northern province of Quang Ninh shared that two corona-infected Chinese arrivals in Bai Chay ward were isolated in Quang Ninh General Hospital. The information recorded 400 shares and nearly 100 comments. However, on the morning of January 28, the provincial Department of Health confirmed the information as falsehood. Currently, the provincial police are inspecting the case to verify the people related to the case.