Facebook Blocked in Vietnam A Digital Divide

Historical Context

The rise of Facebook in Vietnam was a fascinating phenomenon, fueled by a combination of factors that made it a powerful tool for connection, information sharing, and even political expression.

The government’s attempts to regulate social media, however, have led to a complex interplay between control and freedom of expression, highlighting the evolving relationship between technology and governance in Vietnam.

The Popularity of Facebook in Vietnam

Facebook’s popularity in Vietnam was driven by several key factors:

• Accessibility and Affordability: Internet penetration in Vietnam was increasing, making Facebook readily accessible to a growing population. The platform was also free to use, further contributing to its widespread adoption.
• Social Connection: Facebook provided a platform for connecting with friends and family, both within Vietnam and abroad. This was particularly important for Vietnamese people living overseas, who could use Facebook to stay in touch with their loved ones back home.
• Information Sharing: Facebook became a major source of news and information, particularly in the absence of a free and independent press. Users could share articles, videos, and opinions on a wide range of topics, bypassing traditional media outlets.

Timeline of Government Attempts to Regulate Social Media

The Vietnamese government has implemented a series of measures to control the flow of information and expression on social media platforms, including Facebook:

1. 2013: The government introduced the Law on Cybersecurity, which gave authorities broad powers to monitor and censor online content. This law was criticized by human rights groups for its vague language and potential for abuse.
2. 2016: Facebook was blocked in Vietnam for a brief period after the government accused the platform of hosting content that violated Vietnamese law. This move sparked protests from users and raised concerns about freedom of expression.
3. 2018: The government introduced a new decree requiring social media platforms to remove content deemed “illegal” within 24 hours. This decree further tightened government control over online content and led to increased censorship.

Examples of Facebook’s Use for Political Dissent

Facebook has been used as a platform for political dissent in Vietnam, with users leveraging its reach to express their views and organize protests:

• 2014: Facebook was used to organize protests against a controversial Chinese-backed economic zone in Vietnam. The protests, which drew thousands of people, highlighted the platform’s potential to mobilize public opinion on sensitive political issues.
• 2018: Facebook played a key role in spreading information about the environmental damage caused by a Taiwanese steel plant in Vietnam. The online mobilization led to protests and increased public awareness about the issue, putting pressure on the government to address the environmental concerns.

The Block and Its Impact

The Vietnamese government’s decision to block Facebook on November 15, 2009, marked a significant event in the country’s internet history. This move was intended to curtail the platform’s perceived threat to national security and social stability, leading to a cascade of consequences for citizens, businesses, and political groups.

The Immediate Impact

The immediate impact of the block was significant, disrupting the lives of millions of Vietnamese citizens. Facebook, by this time, had become deeply ingrained in their daily routines, serving as a primary means of communication, information sharing, and social interaction. The sudden inaccessibility of the platform caused widespread frustration and inconvenience, as people struggled to connect with loved ones, access news, and participate in online communities.

The Impact on Businesses

Vietnamese businesses, particularly those operating in the online space, faced substantial challenges as a result of the Facebook block. Many relied on Facebook for advertising, marketing, and customer engagement. The block disrupted these activities, forcing businesses to adapt their strategies and explore alternative platforms. This transition was not without its difficulties, as businesses grappled with the complexities of navigating new platforms and reaching their target audience.

The Impact on Political Groups

The Facebook block also had a profound impact on political groups in Vietnam. The platform had emerged as a critical tool for organizing, mobilizing, and disseminating information. Pro-democracy groups, human rights activists, and political dissidents used Facebook to coordinate protests, raise awareness about human rights violations, and share critical information about the government. The block effectively silenced these voices, limiting their ability to operate and hindering their efforts to challenge the government’s authority.

The Accessibility of Other Social Media Platforms

While Facebook was blocked, other social media platforms, such as Twitter, YouTube, and Google+, remained accessible in Vietnam. However, their usage was limited compared to Facebook’s popularity. The government’s selective approach to blocking social media platforms suggested a targeted effort to control the flow of information and limit the potential for dissent. The block on Facebook, therefore, served as a powerful tool for censorship and control, shaping the online landscape in Vietnam.

Government Perspective

The Vietnamese government has offered various reasons for the Facebook block, emphasizing its commitment to national security and public order. While Facebook has been a popular platform for communication and information sharing, the government’s perspective highlights concerns about its potential misuse.

Reasons for the Block

The Vietnamese government has stated that the block was implemented to address several concerns, including:

• National Security: The government has cited the spread of anti-government propaganda and misinformation as a threat to national security. Facebook’s vast reach and potential for anonymity have raised concerns about its use for disseminating content that could incite unrest or destabilize the country. For example, in 2018, the government blamed Facebook for playing a role in the protests against the controversial Formosa steel plant, which caused severe environmental damage.
• Public Order: The government has also expressed concerns about the use of Facebook for spreading rumors, hate speech, and content that could incite violence or disrupt public order. Facebook’s platform has been used for organizing protests and demonstrations, which the government has sought to control.
• Cybersecurity: The government has cited concerns about Facebook’s data security practices and the potential for foreign actors to exploit the platform for espionage or cyberattacks. The government has a history of blocking websites and services that it deems to be a security risk, and Facebook has been no exception.

Concerns about Misinformation and Anti-Government Sentiment

The Vietnamese government has repeatedly expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation and anti-government sentiment on Facebook. The government believes that Facebook’s open platform allows for the dissemination of false or misleading information that can manipulate public opinion and undermine its authority. The government has pointed to examples of Facebook being used to spread rumors about government policies or to incite protests against the government.

• Propaganda and Misinformation: The government has cited the spread of propaganda and misinformation, particularly during sensitive political periods, as a major concern. For example, during the 2016 US presidential election, the Vietnamese government blocked Facebook for a short period, citing concerns about the spread of fake news and propaganda.
• Anti-Government Sentiment: The government has also expressed concerns about the use of Facebook to organize and promote anti-government sentiment. This includes the use of Facebook groups and pages to criticize government policies or to call for protests. The government views such activities as a threat to its authority and stability.

Efforts to Control Online Information and Regulate Social Media

The Vietnamese government has implemented various measures to control online information and regulate social media platforms. These efforts aim to ensure that online content aligns with the government’s ideological and political objectives.

• Cybersecurity Law: The government has enacted the Cybersecurity Law, which grants authorities broad powers to monitor and censor online content. The law requires social media companies to store user data within Vietnam and to cooperate with government requests for information.
• Content Removal Requests: The government has also actively requested the removal of content from social media platforms that it deems to be objectionable or harmful. These requests often target content that is critical of the government or that promotes political dissent.
• Propaganda and Censorship: The government has a long history of using propaganda and censorship to control information and shape public opinion. This includes the use of state-controlled media outlets and the suppression of dissenting voices.

User Reactions and Responses: Facebook Blocked In Vietnam

The blocking of Facebook in Vietnam sparked a wave of reactions and responses from Vietnamese users. While some accepted the block, many others expressed frustration and sought ways to circumvent it. This section explores the various reactions and strategies employed by Vietnamese users in response to the Facebook ban.

Reactions to the Block

The blocking of Facebook triggered a range of reactions from Vietnamese users. Here’s a summary of the observed responses:

Reaction	Description
Frustration and Anger	Many users expressed frustration and anger over the sudden loss of access to Facebook, a platform deeply ingrained in their daily lives.
Disappointment	Some users were disappointed by the government’s decision, feeling it was an infringement on their freedom of expression and access to information.
Acceptance	A smaller segment of users accepted the block, perhaps due to their limited use of Facebook or their agreement with the government’s rationale.
Curiosity	Some users were curious about the reasons behind the block and the government’s motivations.

Using VPNs and Other Methods to Bypass the Block

Facing the block, many Vietnamese users resorted to using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other methods to access Facebook. VPNs, by masking a user’s location, allowed them to bypass the government’s restrictions. Other methods included using proxy servers and Tor, a privacy-focused network that routes traffic through multiple servers.

“I use a VPN to access Facebook every day. It’s the only way I can stay connected with my friends and family.” – A Vietnamese Facebook user.

Adaptation of Online Communication Strategies

The Facebook block prompted Vietnamese users to adapt their online communication strategies. Many turned to alternative social media platforms, such as Zalo, a Vietnamese messaging and social media app, and Viber, a popular messaging app. Others started using private messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp for communication and information sharing.

“I’ve switched to using Zalo more since the Facebook block. It’s a good alternative for staying in touch with people.” – A Vietnamese Zalo user.

International Reactions and Implications

The blocking of Facebook in Vietnam has drawn international attention and sparked reactions from various organizations and governments. Concerns have been raised about the impact on freedom of expression and the potential implications for Vietnam’s international relations.

International Reactions

The block has faced criticism from international human rights organizations and advocacy groups. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the move, highlighting its potential to stifle dissent and restrict access to information. They argue that the block violates fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.

• The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concerns about the block, calling for the Vietnamese government to uphold freedom of expression and access to information.
• The US Department of State has also voiced concerns about the block, stating that it undermines freedom of expression and internet freedom.
• The European Union has expressed its concerns about the block and urged Vietnam to uphold its international obligations regarding freedom of expression.

Comparison of Freedom of Expression

While Vietnam has made strides in economic development, its record on freedom of expression remains a concern. Vietnam’s press freedom ranking is consistently low in international rankings, such as Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index.

• In comparison to other countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a significantly lower level of freedom of expression. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, while not perfect, generally have more freedom of expression than Vietnam.
• Vietnam’s legal framework often restricts freedom of expression, with laws that criminalize criticism of the government and other sensitive topics.

Implications for Vietnam’s International Reputation, Facebook blocked in vietnam

The block has drawn negative attention to Vietnam’s human rights record and could impact its international reputation.

• It could deter foreign investment and tourism, as companies and individuals may be hesitant to engage with a country that restricts freedom of expression.
• It could also strain Vietnam’s relationships with other countries, particularly those that value freedom of expression and internet freedom.

Implications for Vietnam’s Relationship with Technology Companies

The block has also strained Vietnam’s relationship with technology companies, particularly Facebook.

• Facebook has publicly criticized the block, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and a setback for the internet.
• The block could deter other technology companies from investing in Vietnam, fearing that their services could be blocked or restricted in the future.

Facebook blocked in vietnam – The story of Facebook’s block in Vietnam serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between online freedom and government control. While the government sought to safeguard national security and prevent the spread of misinformation, the block had a significant impact on the lives of ordinary citizens, hindering their ability to connect, share information, and express themselves freely. The international community reacted with concern, raising questions about the implications for freedom of expression and the role of social media in a democratic society. The story of Facebook’s block in Vietnam is a cautionary tale, reminding us of the need for responsible use of technology and the importance of protecting fundamental rights in the digital age.

While Vietnam grapples with its Facebook ban, gamers across the globe are gearing up for the release of Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare , which has officially gone gold. With the game’s release just around the corner, perhaps the Vietnamese government will consider lifting the ban on Facebook, allowing citizens to connect and share their gaming experiences with the world.