Vietnam Considers Tighter Social Media Curbs for Youth

Vietnam is seriously considering tightening regulations on social media use among its youth. Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo suggested that implementing time limits for specific platforms could be a way to address the issue of infinite scrolling. Daily time limits are also being "seriously discussed." These enhanced restrictions are expected to be facilitated by legislative changes to be tabled in early 2027, which will enable enforcement through age verification. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in his 2026 National Day Rally speech, called on social media platforms serving users under 18 to implement stronger safeguards against unhealthy comparisons and social isolation. This marks a shift away from solely relying on parental responsibility and platform self-regulation towards firm legislative interventions. As Vietnam experiences rapid economic growth and digitalization, internet usage among young people has surged. However, concerns are mounting regarding the impact of excessive social media consumption on mental health and academic performance, prompting the government to aim for a healthier digital environment. Under its one-party system, the Vietnamese government has consistently shown a strong interest in maintaining social order and shaping societal norms, including information control. The proposed tightening of social media regulations can be understood within this context. In its relationship with China, strengthening domestic digital infrastructure and information management is a key policy priority, driven by concerns over information leakage and cybersecurity. Source: VnExpress International