Vietnam Cracks Down on Social Media 'Reactionary' Site Interactions, Raising Free Speech Concerns

Vietnamese police are intensifying crackdowns on citizens who have "interacted" with social media content deemed "reactionary" by authorities, in an effort to control unfavorable opinions. Simple actions such as comments, shares, and even "likes" can lead to investigations and administrative penalties. In recent months, hundreds of individuals have been summoned by police for warnings, reprimands, and administrative fines. For example, on August 3, police in Phu Tho province announced they had identified 10 individuals in the area who had "interacted" with content posted by Hoang Dung, who resides in the United States. These individuals were subsequently educated and reminded of legal regulations, and pledged not to violate them. Among the sites officially named by authorities as "reactionary" are accounts belonging to figures like lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, based in Germany, and Hoang Dung, based in the US. These individuals are known for their criticism of the Vietnamese Communist Party, with some having been convicted of "propaganda against the state," charges they deny. While citizens have called for authorities to release a list of "reactionary" sites, police responses have often been evasive, stating that "no list can replace the consciousness and information reception skills of the user." Some observers suggest this deliberate ambiguity allows for arbitrary enforcement and avoids potential diplomatic complications associated with officially blacklisting foreign organizations or media outlets. Recently, a list of "reactionary" sites, including BBC Vietnamese, RFA Vietnamese, and Luat Khoa Tap Chi, has been circulated on social media, reportedly via local police accounts. However, authorities have not officially released such a list, leaving its origin and credibility uncertain. The situation has sparked mixed reactions online. While some users express support for the authorities' actions, many others voice concerns about freedom of expression, with some sarcastically noting that these lists help them access what they consider "truthful" information, as opposed to state media they accuse of "propaganda." The definition and application of the term "reactionary" in Vietnam have long been a subject of debate.