Taking advantage of the complicated situation of the Covid-19 epidemic, many people spread fake news and posted false information to confuse public opinion. So, how much are the fines imposed on these persons in accordance with Vietnam’s regulations?
Article table of contents
According to Point a Clause 1 Article 101 of Decree No. 15/2020/NĐ-CP of Vietnam’s Government:
Article 101. Violations against regulations on responsibility of social networking service users
1. A fine ranging from VND 10,000,000 to VND 20,000,000 shall be imposed for the commission of one of the following violations:
a) Providing/sharing fake or false information with the aims of distorting, slandering or damaging the prestige, honor and dignity of other organizations, authorities or individuals;
However, according to Clause 3 Article 4 of Decree No. 15/2020/NĐ-CP: “The fines prescribed in Chapter II to Chapter VII hereof are imposed for administrative violations committed by organizations, except the administrative violations mentioned in Article 106 hereof. The fine imposed on an individual shall be half the one imposed on an organization for committing the same violation.”
Thus, the organization providing/sharing fake or false information about Covid-19 epidemic shall be fined from VND 10,000,000 to VND 20,000,000. In case an individual commits this violation, he/she shall be fined from VND 5,000,000 to VND 10,000,000.
Concurrently, the organization/individual providing/sharing fake or false information about Covid-19 epidemic shall be forced to remove false, misleading or violating information in case of commission of any of the violations.
On the other hand, according to Section 1 of the Official Dispatch No. 45/TANDTC-PC in 2020 regarding trial for criminal offenses against regulations on prevention and control of Covid-19 pandemic:
1. Determination of offenses according to the Criminal Code
1.4. A person who posts false information about Covid-19 situation on a computer network or telecommunications network and causes negative reactions will face a charge of “Illegal provision or use of information on computer networks or telecommunications networks” according to Article 288 of the Criminal Code.
Thus, in addition to being fined according to Decree No. 15/2020/NĐ-CP, a person who posts false information about Covid-19 situation on a computer network or telecommunications network and causes negative reactions will face a charge of “Illegal provision or use of information on computer networks or telecommunications networks” according to Article 288 of the Criminal Code 2015 of Vietnam.
It can be seen that Vietnam’s law has very specific regulations on penalties for spreading fake and false information about Covid-19. People need to be very calm and wise in receiving and processing information, and closely monitor official information about the epidemic situation. Concurrently, do not share unverified or unverified information that affects disease prevention.
Cases of taking advantage of social networks to spread false rumors, harming the legitimate rights and interests of organizations, individuals, causing public confusion, the authorities will investigate and prosecute according to the law.
Thu Ba
