A view of the conference.

According to reports presented at the conference, after three years of implementation, the 2016 Press Law and other guidelines created a legal corridor for press activities, ensuring freedom of journalism and citizens’ rights of free speech on media channels under the framework of the Constitution and regulations. Key contents of the 2016 Press Law are basically suitable and ensure the effectiveness in management and administration of press activities.

However, many drawbacks still exist, including a lack of a clear distinction between newspapers and electronic magazines which caused difficulties in management; a lack of regulations on print newspapers and print magazines which have caused confusion to management agencies when implementing the law, especially when deploying press planning and the lack of sanctions for spokespeople when they are reluctant to provide information to the press.

Therefore, the MoIC said amendments to the 2016 Press Law were essential. The Press Department is studying and proposing to issue additional sanctions for violations in press activities in accordance with the provisions of the amendment and supplement of the Press Law 2016, especially issues involving the sharing of false information on social networks. Individuals and media enterprises that produce television programmes for digital outlets and new media such as YouTube or Facebook will have to register production links with the press agencies to meet content evaluation requirements. Responsibilities of the head of the press agency and the head of the press for violations of the press agency will be regulated while State administrative agencies will be prohibited from refusing to provide information to the press or providing false information.

Speaking at the event, MoIC deputy minister Hoang Vinh Bao stressed upon the significance of the amendment of the 2016 Press Law on creating favourable conditions for journalism as well as tackling existing drawbacks.