(Illustrative photo: VNA)

The Internet was officially launched in Vietnam on November 19, 1997, and hassince then made remarkable progress.

Internet developing strongly in Vietnam

Vietnam is among the countries with the highest percentage of Internet users. According to the social network analysis company WeAreSocial, in 2023 Vietnam had approximately 78 million Internet users, about 79% of its population. There are more than 150 million devices with an internet connection and 3G and 4G networks cover most of the country. Most major social networks operate in Vietnam.

People can access the Internet virtually anywhere at any time in the country, often for free. The Ministry of Information and Communications says nearly 100% of Vietnamese adults have access to the Internet. Broadband infrastructure ensures that at least 95% of residential areas have 3G or 4G coverage, bringing Vietnam close to the level of the most developed countries.

Vu Hoang Lien, Chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association (Photo: VNA)

Vu Hoang Lien, Chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association, said, “Since the Internet was deployed in Vietnam, the country has seen breakthrough development. From the initial copper cable infrastructure with modest capacity and international transmission lines, Vietnam has evolved to fiber optic cables and 5G mobile services. Technologies to provide value-added services, online services, and digital content services have made unexpected progress. The Internet has benefitted Vietnam’s socio-economic development, cultural life, and general knowledge.”

Vietnam aims to build an advanced digital infrastructure that will lead ASEAN by 2030 and a 5G mobile network that will be available to every person nationwide at low cost. Vietnam will build its own undersea cables and create and store its own data.

Ensuring cyber safety for everyone

The Internet is a pillar of today’s information society. According to the 2024 Global Digital Overview Report jointly published by MeltWater and WeAreSocial, 73% of Vietnam’s 99 million people use social networks. They spend an average of 2 hours and 25 minutes on social networks every day, among the world’s top 20.

Social networks and cyberspace have created risks that need to be addressed, not just in Vietnam, but in every country.

Dinh Tien Dung, Deputy Director of the External Information Department of the Ministry of Information and Communications, said, “Fake and malicious information spreads very quickly every second. Therefore, we urgently need a time frame to scan the information while ensuring rights in compliance with the law. The exercise of citizens' rights and obligations must comply with the Constitution and laws.”

One way to get Vietnamese Internet users, especially children, to use social networks safely is through dissemination of information about cybersecurity laws. A Circular of the Ministry of Education and Training issued in 2021requires the Cyber Security Law to be taught to students in grade 10 or above.

“In the instructions for using social networks, the school reminds us not to swear or speak ill of any individual on any social network, to express opinions appropriately, to be aware of bad content, and to take responsibility for our behavior,” Hoang Hai Van, a student at Luong The Vinh High School, said. 

State management agencies like the Ministry of Information and Communications have asked global social networks like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Google to ban and remove malicious information to protect Vietnamese Internet users.