table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="">Register to nominate for the Vietnam iContent Awards 2025 here

In the age of digital technology and social media explosion, even one piece of misinformation, an image of a celebrity using prohibited substances, or a controversial statement can reach millions of users. To some extent, these actions can influence consumer behavior and negatively impact young people.

For several years, authorities have emphasized the important role of KOLs and KOCs in shaping social perceptions, leading trends, promoting creativity and advertising, and contributing to the spread of Vietnamese values globally. However, influencers who exploit their fame to violate laws, sell counterfeit goods, provide non-transparent information, or make inappropriate statements or exhibit unacceptable lifestyles need to face strict penalties.

At the launch of Vietnam iContent 2025 on 10/9, Le Quang Tu Do, Director General of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, stated that many KOLs and KOCs have been penalized recently. Some have even faced criminal charges for false advertising, exaggerating product benefits beyond their initial registration, or making false statements or engaging in misconduct. This demonstrates that digital content creators cannot operate "outside the law" but must prioritize legal and ethical responsibilities.

Director General Le Quang Tu Do added that Decree 147 on online information management, which came into effect in late 2024, introduces new regulations related to online content, especially on social media platforms. The Prime Minister has assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to develop a code of conduct for online cultural behavior, expected to be issued by the end of 2025.

"The legal framework is quite comprehensive. The most crucial aspect now is the implementation to bring these regulations into everyday life," Do emphasized.

Le Quang Tu Do, Director General of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information. Photo: Tung Dinh

Le Quang Tu Do, Director General of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information. Photo: Tung Dinh

Cyberspace is characterized by post-inspection, meaning content is posted first and then addressed if violations are detected. Therefore, the legal compliance awareness of both content creators and internet users plays a decisive role. The Ministry has implemented various communication campaigns to raise awareness among social media users while also applying deterrent and warning penalties to violating KOLs and KOCs.

Through these actions against violating KOLs and KOCs, authorities aim to send a clear message: The creative community must comply with the law and uphold professional responsibility. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is also collaborating closely with platforms to promptly address misleading content, prevent the spread of fake news, and leverage technology, especially AI, to scan and detect violations early.

On 11/9, Hanoi Police Department also urged KOLs, KOCs, and influencers to comply with legal regulations and enhance their sense of responsibility, especially regarding online cultural behavior and statements.

Internet users also need to be discerning, support meaningful KOL activities, and promptly expose and condemn unethical, uncivilized behavior and legal violations online.

With these synchronized efforts, management agencies hope the digital environment will become a healthy space where creators can develop their ideas while respecting the law and community interests.

Creativity must go hand in hand with responsibility and legal compliance to create a clean and healthy digital environment. Photo: Pexels

Creativity must go hand in hand with responsibility and legal compliance to create a clean and healthy digital environment. Photo: Pexels

Following the success of the first season, organizers expect Vietnam iContent 2025 to become a healthy platform for digital content creators. It's designed as a space for networking and connection between platforms, content development units, and digital creators, linking content creators through various activities, forums, and workshops. Importantly, both organizations and individuals have the opportunity to share their perspectives and aspirations with management agencies.

The program also honors individuals who have a positive social impact, meaningful digital communication projects, and units and organizations that contribute to the industry's development in Vietnam. Furthermore, the organizers aim to share success stories and the positive influence of digital content on society, thereby inspiring and motivating the next generation to continue promoting positive values online.

Overview of the Vietnam iContent 2025 launch ceremony on 10/9. Video: Van Ngoc - Yen Chi

Vietnam iContent Awards 2025 is co-organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and VnExpress. The event, revolving around the theme "Vietnam shines," has a broader scope and vision with 10 awards across three categories. Nominations will be accepted from 4/9 to 25/9, public voting will take place from 3/10 to 24/10, the final round will be from 30/10 to 18/11, and the awards gala will be held on 29/11 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hieu Chau - Yen Chi