Artists making incorrect statements and spreading false information is a very serious problem.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, shared about the recent deviant statements and false product advertising on social media platforms by some famous people and influencers.

Support the "freeze"

- The draft decree on management, provision and use of the Internet and information on social networks, which imposes higher sanctions on celebrities who make inappropriate statements online, is expected to be issued next July. What do you think about this decree?

In my view, freedom of speech is important but needs to be exercised responsibly. Public figures, including artists, have influence over large numbers of people, so their speech needs to be held to a higher standard to avoid spreading harmful or misleading information.

“Deviant” behaviour needs to be clearly defined in the decree to ensure that any sanctions are fair and proportionate. Striking a balance between protecting freedom of expression and preventing the spread of harmful content online is important.

Deviant behavior in cyberspace may include the dissemination of false or inaccurate information, insults, threats, incitement to violence or discrimination based on gender, religion, race or other personal characteristics. This may affect the honor, reputation or rights of others, causing harm to the psychology and mental health of readers or recipients of information.

Deviant behavior in cyberspace may need to be specifically defined under legal regulations to protect the online community from potential harm and ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

- Having a great influence on society, especially on young people, many famous people speak carelessly, spread inaccurate information, and advertise products incorrectly on social networks, most recently Angela Phuong Trinh, Nam Em... According to you, artists with such behavior need to be "banned", banned from broadcasting, and banned from artistic activities?

I think that artists who have deviant behavior, spread inaccurate information, fake news or advertise false products on social networks is a serious problem that requires strict management from authorities. The influence of famous artists on the internet is very large, especially among young people. Therefore, their spreading inaccurate information can pose a risk to the health and interests of consumers.

I support the "freeze". However, "freeze" or banning artists is not the only effective measure and needs to be carefully considered. Instead, there must be specific and urgent sanctions to deter and prevent violations on social networks.

Measures could include imposing heavier fines, revoking or reducing social media followers, and forcing them to delete or correct inaccurate information they post. At the same time, it is important to increase education and guidance for celebrities about their responsibility in spreading information on social media. Raising awareness of the impact of shared information helps them to engage in more positive and accurate online behavior.

Above all, careful consideration must be given to the establishment of rules and sanctions to ensure that they are fair, effective, and do not prejudice the rights of others or the principle of free speech. Policies and regulations must be applied consistently to build a safe, trustworthy, and positive online environment for everyone.

- Currently, there are many KOC (key consumers) and KOL (influencers) on social networks. When they livestream, they have hundreds of thousands of viewers and even have more influence than celebrities. In your opinion, is the regulation of "influencer" too broad to be subject to the Draft Law on Advertising of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism?

That's right! The problem of distinguishing between KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) and KOC (Key Opinion Customers) in the field of communication and marketing is becoming more and more complicated with the development of social networks.

While KOLs are often individuals or celebrities who have a large influence on the online community, KOCs are ordinary people who have a significant following on social media platforms.

Determining who is a KOL and who is a KOC is not only based on the number of followers, but also on their level of engagement, real influence, and authenticity to the community. Although some KOCs may have millions of followers and create a strong viral effect in the online community, the quality of that influence still needs to be carefully evaluated.

Meanwhile, whether the definition of “influencer” is too broad is an issue that needs to be raised to protect fairness and controversy. Determining influencers should not only be based on the number of followers but also consider the quality of interactions, community trust, and authenticity. Regulations need to be built on objective and transparent criteria to ensure that only truly influential and reputable people are recognized.

Thus, distinguishing between KOL and KOC as well as identifying influencers is becoming a challenge in the modern media world. The most important thing is to consider not only the numbers but also the actual quality and effectiveness of that influence on the community.

- According to you, what is the significance of the draft decree of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Information and Communications on the management, provision and use of the Internet and online information with additional sanctions for celebrities who make deviant statements on social networks and regulations on advertising for influential people?

The two sets of codes of conduct on cyberspace issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have had a certain effect in regulating the behavior of celebrities on social networks. However, we also need more appropriate and effective solutions such as perfecting legal documents to have a legal framework and strict sanctions for violations.

I think that with the new decree, the introduction of new regulations on management, provision and use of the Internet and online information will have the effect of correcting the deviant speech of celebrities as well as regulations on advertising for influential people, not only helping to create a healthy and positive online environment but also protecting the rights of consumers and respecting fairness and transparency in communication and advertising activities on social networks.

Of course, issuing regulations with accompanying sanctions will take time to verify their effectiveness, but will certainly bring about some positive changes in rectifying artistic activities. After all, the audience's turning away is the biggest punishment for artists.