Vietnam’s new government regulations, known as Decree 147, give authorities increased powers to control social media and prevent dissent. The decree requires users to verify their accounts and social media companies to store data in Vietnam, making it easier to track down critics.
The regulations also prevent users from engaging in citizen journalism and require companies to remove posts deemed illegal within 24 hours. Social media companies have until late March to comply, and it is unclear whether they will try to push back against the new measures.