On 12/8, the National Cybersecurity Association announced it is collaborating with the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention under the Ministry of Public Security (A05) to organize a conference, "KOLs in the era of national advancement." Nearly 300 prominent KOLs nationwide will gather to share their journeys as "leaders."

The conference is expected to launch the "Influencer Credibility" program to assess and rank the credibility of online influencers in Vietnam. This will provide a basis for evaluating and classifying their trustworthiness in media activities, product promotion, and services. This will make it easier for businesses to choose media partners and protect consumers from misleading content, disguised advertising, and misinformation.

The program applies to influential individuals active on popular digital platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

The evaluation is based on 5 main criteria: Transparency of content and advertising activities (labeling commercially-driven posts to inform the public and avoid misunderstandings), History of behavior and media ethics (no legal violations, discriminatory statements, or spreading misinformation, and prompt public corrections of errors), Level of real interaction and community feedback (no use of tools to artificially boost interaction, receiving positive public feedback and responding positively during crises), Brand and social value alignment (appropriate personal image, positive messages, no scandals, transparent cooperation), and Adherence to personal data protection regulations (no unauthorized disclosure or collection, and privacy notifications).

The evaluation criteria will be based on a 100-point scale. To achieve the maximum score in a pillar, individuals must meet all corresponding sub-criteria. Deductions will be made based on a quantitative scoring mechanism for any violations or lack of transparency in any sub-criteria.

Nearly 300 KOLs will gather in Hanoi for the first time to share their experiences. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Nearly 300 KOLs will gather in Hanoi for the first time to share their experiences. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

KOLs will receive certificates corresponding to their scores, valid for 12 months. The three certificate types are: Ethics (for 90/100 points), Professional (80/100 points), and Community (65/100 points). In addition to the minimum total score, KOLs must meet other criteria, such as having no legal violations within a specific timeframe (6, 12, or 24 months).

According to A05, the program is implemented as a paid service endorsed by the National Cybersecurity Association. KOLs pay a fee for training in law, ethics, and communication skills, after which they are evaluated, ranked, and granted credibility certificates.

KOLs are individuals with deep expertise and credibility in a specific field, holding influence in the online space. Key opinion consumers (KOCs) are everyday consumers who can influence others' purchasing decisions by sharing, reviewing, and providing real-life experiences with products and services.