This initiative was discussed by Le Quang Tu Do, Director General of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, at a conference on the morning of 22/5 in Ho Chi Minh City. The Director General noted public concerns regarding individuals who, despite past violations, continue to operate normally because they faced no criminal penalties, only administrative fines.

According to Le Quang Tu Do, the "blacklist" mechanism will help organizations and brands consider partnerships with artists, KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), and KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) who violate cultural codes of conduct in the digital environment. The Authority will collaborate with the Performing Arts Department to discuss and finalize the criteria for inclusion on this list.

Le Quang Tu Do discusses the establishment of a "blacklist" for artists and KOLs to deter brand collaborations, at a conference on disseminating the code of cultural conduct in the digital environment, on the morning of 22/5. *Video: Mai Nhat*

Management agencies previously had a list of "misbehaving" artists, who were recommended for limited collaboration, but without a specific timeframe. This led to uncertainty among many companies and brands about the duration of such restrictions. The upcoming list will be based on specific criteria, including legal and ethical violations, with restriction periods of three months, six months, or one year, depending on the severity of the offense. The Director General emphasized that this is not a mandatory regulation but relies on the voluntary commitment of companies and brands.

A representative from the Authority stated that this year would be a "year of purification" for individuals committing violations. "We hope organizations will join hands in this effort, sending a message to artists and KOLs that if they engage in illegal or inappropriate behavior, they will be unable to participate in artistic activities for a certain period," Le Quang Tu Do said.

The list is expected to be published on the Vietnam Content Creator Portal, implemented by the Authority, once the website becomes operational in early june. Nguyen Van Tuan, Director General of Netspace – the unit tasked with operating the portal – stated that the "blacklist" will include individuals or channels that have committed violations, marked to alert brands.

"Management agencies will send official notifications to specific individuals, based on their violation records, before placing them on the 'blacklist'," Nguyen Van Tuan explained. Conversely, artists and KOLs who are actively engaged and have participated in training courses organized by the Authority will receive encouragement and commendation.

Nguyen Van Tuan introduces the upcoming portal for content creators. *Video: Mai Nhat*

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports supports the Authority's solution. Nguyen Ngoc Hoi, Deputy Director of the Department, stated that they will collaborate with security agencies to establish both "white" and "black" lists. Additionally, a "green list" will be created, compiling prominent figures who frequently attend major city events, inviting them to serve as media partners and collectively promote important and meaningful activities.

The conference also introduced the code of cultural conduct in the digital environment, issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in early march. This code includes guidelines for influencers, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle; absolutely not promoting illegal acts or those contrary to fine customs and traditions; not exploiting audience trust or affection for personal gain; and adhering to advertising regulations.

The recent case of singer Miu Le, arrested in connection with drugs, was mentioned at the conference. *Photo: Facebook Miu Le*

Xuan Bac, Director General of the Performing Arts Department, noted that one of the key advantages of this code is that multi-channel networks (MCNs), artists, and content creators can review and adjust their behavior, while also providing brands with an initial filtering mechanism. "Regulations are not solely for punishment but also for building a healthy environment," Xuan Bac stated.

Mai Nhat