Vietnam will require TikTok to provide content recommendation algorithms

The Ministry of Information and Communications said it will require short video platform TikTok to provide its content recommendation algorithm to monitor data collection.

The Ministry of Information and Communications has just reported on questioning activities related to the information and communication sector. This agency said that it has fought and requested social networks such as Facebook, Google, TikTok, Apple, Netflix to prevent and remove toxic content, fake news, false information, false and offensive advertising.

The Ministry also studied international experience on solutions for managing cross-border social network algorithms, especially TikTok, from which it proposed solutions for implementation in Vietnam such as tightening management, "requiring the provision of content suggestion algorithms to the Government to monitor data collection, prevent addiction, and direct information to users".

Tiktok Vietnam is expected to undergo a comprehensive inspection from May 15.

TikTok app on iPhone App Store. Photo: Son Ha

Launched in the domestic market in April 2019, the number of TikTok users in Vietnam has rapidly exploded in the three years of the pandemic and now reaches nearly 50 million, ranking sixth globally and first in Southeast Asia, according to Data Reportal statistics as of February. However, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications, the platform's operations have many problems, such as the lack of measures to control violating content, fake news, nonsense, toxic content, and danger to children.

In addition, the platform uses automatic distribution algorithms to create trends, leading to the dissemination of content that attracts views, regardless of its offensiveness, causing negative impacts on the community and young people. TikTok also does not have effective measures to prevent commercial activities, business, trade, and advertising of counterfeit and fake goods.

Meanwhile, a representative of TikTok Vietnam said that "we look forward to welcoming the interdisciplinary delegation because it will be an opportunity for TikTok to listen to comments from the Government and be able to operate better in the future."

Also in the report, the Ministry of Information and Communications said it has increased the blocking of accounts, groups, pages, and channels with violating content, as well as piloted monitoring and inspection of platforms that do not have offices in Vietnam. The Ministry will also inspect cross-border advertising service providers to prevent and combat illegal acts.

In the first three months of the year, Facebook blocked and removed more than 1,096 toxic posts; Google removed 1,670 violating videos on YouTube; TikTok removed 323 violating links and locked 47 accounts and channels.

This agency is working with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to draft a procedure for handling people working in the arts who violate the law. The document will provide sanctions to limit broadcasting, reporting and performing for artists and celebrities who violate or have behaviors that are not in accordance with social ethical standards.

Previously, at the explanation session organized by the Judiciary Committee on May 8, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Thanh Lam said that in the coming time, problems in managing and sanctioning cross-border platforms will be resolved by a legal framework. Along with that, the Government's Decree replacing the decree on management, provision and use of Internet services and online information will be issued this year, requiring social network account owners to identify themselves, whether using foreign platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube or domestic ones.

Son Ha

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