[Don’t] Dare To Dissent: A Crackdown On Vietnam’s Decree 147 Law

A fight for basic human rights and freedoms in the state of Vietnam. Source: FreePik

Vietnam, despite increasing global engagement, continues to grapple with a deep contradiction- while the Vietnamese government claims to foster economic development and sociopolitical stability, the state’s attempts to curb free speech and control the country’s flow of information tell a different story. As resistance to free expression intensifies, Vietnamese citizens are facing profound and alarming consequences: their ability to advocate for rights and challenge injustice is becoming increasingly stifled. 

For years, the Vietnamese government has faced criticism for its restrictive approach to press freedom and internet censorship on state-run media and journalism. However, with the rise of social media as a primary source of news and discussion, authorities have taken additional steps to monitor and suppress online dissent. Recently, the enactment of Decree 147 has sparked concerns regarding the state of individual autonomy and expression in the country. This decree grants the Vietnamese government extensive authority to regulate online content, significantly impacting how information is shared and disseminated. By enforcing stringent measures that prevent users from posting information about government misconduct and requiring companies to remove such content within a 24-hour timeframe, the law effectively curtails open discourse. Citing national security purposes, Decree 147 builds on existing laws, such as the 2018 Law On Cybersecurity, which mandated data localization and granted authorities broad power to remove content deemed harmful to national security. These measures are part of a larger strategy to centralize control over digital platforms, limiting citizens' ability to access independent information. Furthermore, Vietnam’s crackdown extends to communication platforms like X, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, forcing corporations to comply with censorship demands, raising ethical concerns about corporate complicity in suppressing civil liberties.

Free speech and freedom of expression are essential to productive discourse and are fundamental to democratic civil society. By limiting speech through regulations, critics argue that Decree 147 represents a blatant attempt to stifle dissent and control the narrative surrounding government actions. In an era where digital communication is necessary for facilitating dialogue and mobilizing public opinion, such regulations undermine the ability of citizens to engage in meaningful conversations about their rights and grievances. The possible effects on free speech in Vietnam are chilling, as individuals may hesitate to voice their concerns over injustices or share information that could be deemed “controversial” due to the fear of being punished or ostracized. 

Despite clear violations of free speech and expression, Vietnamese authorities have defended the law by emphasizing the dangers of dissent. Officials argue that a clash of opinions can be unproductive, warning that challenging the ruling Communist Party could lead to instability or conflict. One critic, speaking from Thailand, reflected on this mindset, stating, “Any challenge to the government and the Communist Party, any significant challenge to their official narrative of events, is perceived by them as a situation that is getting out of control.” This perspective underscores the government’s broader strategy of maintaining absolute control over public discourse, ensuring that no alternative narratives gain traction and conflict is avoided. However, Decree 147 neither protects the public from any genuine security concerns nor respects fundamental human rights. 

The implications of this law ultimately extend beyond the suppression of individual freedoms. Restricting the flow of information weakens transparency and accountability, enabling corruption and abuses of power to remain unchecked. Citizens, deprived of access to diverse perspectives, may struggle to make informed political and social decisions, reinforcing a cycle of state dominance over public thought. Additionally, such measures damage Vietnam’s international reputation, potentially straining diplomatic relations and deterring foreign investment in a country where press freedom and human rights are increasingly scrutinized. As Vietnam seeks to position itself in a globalized world, the erosion of freedom of expression raises pressing concerns about its commitment to democratic values and human rights. International observers such as the United States, in addition to global organizations, have condemned the law, urging the Vietnamese government to respect its obligations to uphold civil liberties.

In light of these troubling developments, it is imperative for the global community to remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for the protection of free expression in Vietnam. International observers, human rights organizations, and diplomatic entities must collaborate to hold the Vietnamese government accountable for its actions. This can be achieved through concerted efforts such as implementing targeted sanctions against officials responsible for human rights violations, providing support for independent journalists and activists, and urging multinational corporations operating in Vietnam to adopt and enforce policies that prioritize free speech and ethical practices. The struggle for autonomy and the right to speak freely is not merely a national issue; it is a universal democratic principle fundamental to a just and equitable society. Amplifying the voices of the Vietnamese people and standing in solidarity with their fight against censorship and oppression is essential. Only through a collective and determined effort can we hope to preserve their rights and ensure a future where freedom of expression flourishes, allowing Vietnamese citizens to fully engage in shaping their society.