Vietnam is considering new regulations that would significantly strengthen online protections for children, including proposals to restrict social media activity for users under the age of 16. Under the draft rules, minors would use accounts registered by a parent or guardian, while social media platforms would be required to provide stronger privacy protections, age-appropriate content, and enhanced parental supervision features.
The proposal has sparked discussion among major technology companies, with industry representatives arguing that a complete ban on posting, commenting, and interacting could make age verification more difficult and encourage children to bypass safety measures. Companies have instead suggested strengthening parental controls, privacy settings, content filters, and screen-time management while allowing platforms sufficient time to implement any new requirements.
Vietnamese officials said the proposed measures are intended to address growing concerns over cyberbullying, online scams, and harmful digital content affecting children. The draft regulations remain under consultation, with authorities reviewing feedback from businesses and experts before finalizing rules that aim to balance child safety, parental responsibility, and young people’s access to educational and digital opportunities.
