Vietnam Cracks Down on Illegal Online Content Nationwide
Vietnam has launched a comprehensive and intense nationwide campaign to tackle intellectual property (IP) violations, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to protect innovation and creativity. The initiative, ordered by the Prime Minister, involves dismantling high-traffic websites that distribute pirated content such as films, music, video games, and television programs.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed the official directive on May 5, outlining the need for decisive action to combat, prevent, and address IP infringement. While recent enforcement efforts have led to some positive changes, with numerous cases detected and handled, the issue remains complex in certain sectors and regions. This ongoing challenge affects both the investment climate and the rights of citizens and businesses.
To achieve stronger outcomes, the Prime Minister has directed various ministries, sectors, and localities to launch a concentrated national campaign from May 7 to May 30. During this period, all violations will be addressed strictly, with no exceptions allowed.
Xoi Lac TV’s piracy network was dismantled by Vietnamese police in March 2026. Photo courtesy of the police
The Ministry of Public Security has been assigned the responsibility of leading and coordinating with other ministries to investigate, verify, and prosecute serious cases of copyright, related rights, trademarks, and geographical indications. The ministry is also tasked with dismantling high-traffic websites that distribute pirated content, including films, music, mobile video games, and television programs in both Vietnamese and foreign languages.
The Ministry of National Defense will work closely with the Border Guard and Coast Guard to collaborate with the Ministry of Public Security and local authorities in controlling and intercepting IP violations at land borders and sea routes.
The Supreme People's Procuracy and Supreme People's Court are required to enhance their oversight, prosecution, and adjudication of IP-related cases. They must ensure strict and lawful handling, with a focus on representative cases to strengthen deterrence.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will conduct inspections of software copyright compliance in businesses, as well as online copyrights for films, music, television programs, and video games. Serious violations will be handled or referred for further action.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade and provincial and city People's Committees have been instructed to direct market surveillance forces to increase inspections and address counterfeit goods and industrial property violations.
The Ministry of Finance will oversee customs authorities to intensify inspections of imports and exports. Customs clearance will be suspended proactively if there are grounds to suspect goods infringe on IP rights.
Enforcement agencies are required to increase the number of cases detected, handled, and shipments held in suspended clearance by at least 20% compared to May 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with relevant ministries to share information about Vietnam’s IP enforcement results with international partners.
Ministries, sectors, and localities are required to submit daily flash reports on the detection and handling of serious cases. The Ministry of Science and Technology will compile weekly reports for government leaders or as needed. A full campaign report covering the period through May 30 must be submitted on May 31.
The Ministry of Science and Technology will lead in providing expert opinions and assessment conclusions to support the handling of industrial property infringements.
The Prime Minister has assigned the National Steering Committee against Smuggling, Trade Fraud and Counterfeit Goods to coordinate inter-agency work, inspect progress, and handle major and complex cases.
The PM also urged provincial and city Party Committee Secretaries to take direct charge of the effort. Chairpeople of provincial and city People's Committees are required to swiftly establish inter-agency task forces, with themselves serving as heads, to mobilize coordinated forces against violations in their localities.
After May 30, ministries, sectors, and localities will continue reviewing, evaluating, and maintaining the measures on a regular and targeted basis.
