Vietnam will ignore Google and Facebook’s pleas and enforce tough cyber law
The law will require global technology companies to set up local offices and store data locally
Hanoi — Vietnam is preparing to strictly enforce a new cybersecurity law requiring global technology companies to set up local offices and store data locally despite pleas from Facebook, Google and other firms, a government document showed. Vietnamese legislators approved the new law in June overriding strong objections from the business community, rights groups and Western governments including the US, who said the measure would undermine economic development, digital innovation and further stifle political dissent. Google, Facebook and other big technology companies had hoped a draft decree on how the law would be implemented would soften provisions they find most objectionable. But the document seen by Reuters indicates those hopes are unlikely to materialise, potentially setting up a showdown over whether the companies will ultimately comply with the law or pull out of the country. Vietnam's foreign ministry, which handles foreign media requests for comments from the government,...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.