As far back as 2019, the U.S. has been probing the activities of the short video platform, TikTok. Just like the U.S., other nations of the world are also probing or even banning TikTok. The actions of the U.S. have been influencing other regions to do the same and Vietnam just joined the list.
Vietnam will begin probing TikTok’s operations in May because it claims that the platform has “toxic” content. These contents according to the Information Ministry “poses a threat to the country’s youth, culture and tradition”. Le Quang Tu Do, a ministry official, stated at a press conference without going into specifics that it was “much more difficult” to moderate content on the well-known Chinese-owned program that offers bit-size films than it was on other platforms.
Do said…”We will need tougher measures to combat that content, removal only is not enough,”. However, he did not give any specifics on the measures.
Gizchina News of the week
TikTok permits toxic content – Vietnam Govt.
According to info from research firm DataReportal, the ByteDance – owned app has close to 50 million users in Vietnam who are 18 years of age or older, according to the govt. The company claims that it removed 1.7 million videos at the request of the Vietnamese govt in the fourth quarter of last year. This is because they were thought to be against regulatory control. When asked if TikTok would be banned in the Southeast Asian nation, Do replied that anyone who broke local laws would not be welcome.
In a statement earlier this week, Do adds
“TikTok, Facebook and YouTube are all cross-border social media with international standards. But when operating in Vietnam, the platform needs to abide by local regulations on both content and tax obligations,”. He further claims that in recent times, TikTok has been allowing “toxic, offensive, false and superstitious” content on its platform.
The govt. claims that TikTok has local offices in Vietnam and this is why it is the only platform facing the probe. TikTok has been informed two months ago that the govt. will visit its office. The company agrees that the visit is not out of place as it is part of Vietnam’s local laws. TikTok had to update its rules to make them more transparent.
