Online newspapers are in a "messy" state.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said that social networks are becoming a "power" in the current information age.

This type is growing strongly and taking the lead in providing information to readers.

Mr. Truong Minh Tuan - Photo: Dong Ha

However, the development of this type of information also raises many noteworthy issues.

Deputy Minister Truong Minh Tuan said:

- Social networks allow users to communicate and share information effectively, regardless of space and time, and also allow netizens to quickly share information.

Because of these superior characteristics, social networks play an important role in the information society and become a power for society. We cannot know how much information technology will develop in the next few decades, but certainly in the future tools like social networks will dominate information.

Full of pornographic and violent news

* What is the problem with social networks today, Mr. Deputy Minister?

- Vietnam currently has 30 million social network users, that is an unstoppable need. But how to manage social networks to ensure both the need and the safety and security of information.

This is a complicated problem not only in Vietnam but also in the world, because now we have to face the negative aspects of social networks such as: violations of personal rights, copyright...

These problems are giving all managers a headache. In Vietnam, this situation is quite common due to poor awareness of netizens, legal awareness... and many other factors.

* Could you please tell us what the current problems are in the development of electronic newspapers and electronic information sites?

- The national press planning until 2025 identifies electronic newspapers and social networks as playing a key role, that is the strategic vision. Media researchers always ask the question whether printed newspapers will “die” or not? I think that is a valid question because science and technology are developing so rapidly that the life cycle of inventions is only a few decades.

It can be affirmed that nowadays electronic newspapers are developing rapidly with an overwhelming amount of information every day. However, in reality, in recent times, electronic newspapers have exposed problems: copyright infringement, invasion of privacy, defamation causing damage to personal honor, disguised advertising, falsified images and hyperlinks to external networks...

Society will be exposed to the fact that every day the internet is full of "eye-catching" and "heartbreaking" pornographic and violent news. These are the most serious problems of online newspapers today.

I will cite a recent incident to illustrate the problems of online newspapers and social networks today. Specifically, in the past few days, from unverified information, a series of online newspapers and social networks have reported on the health status of Minister of National Defense Phung Quang Thanh.

Press agencies and journalists should remember that in terms of professionalism, the source of information is the most important issue. Moreover, in this case, many press agencies and individuals using social networks have violated the right to respect for privacy, the right to be provided with information about medical records... according to the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment.

Another incident at the same time was the news of two murders that occurred in Binh Phuoc and Nghe An. In addition to the legal issues, it can be seen that a series of newspapers have seriously violated professional ethics, causing public outrage. It cannot be confirmed that professional ethics are currently at their lowest level, but the above situation is at an urgent alarming level.

Strong sanctions are required.

* So in the near future, what measures will the state press management agency take to manage appropriately, Mr. Deputy Minister? What responsibility and awareness do each netizen, journalist, and management agency need to have to contribute to cleaning up the information environment?

- We can see a reality that the Vietnamese Internet is developing too quickly, so there are many problems in legal awareness, legal system, law enforcement, law violations and legal responsibilities in this field.

It is normal that legal awareness is often behind social existence, but it must be adjusted in the fastest way.

What the law stipulates but the implementation is lax, we need to educate to raise legal awareness, have strict sanctions. What the law does not keep up with practical needs needs to be supplemented appropriately, legal documents need to be developed, strong sanctions need to be built...

The current chaotic situation of electronic newspapers, news websites, and social networks must be restored to order. More than anyone else, press agencies and journalists need to raise their legal awareness and strictly enforce the law.

For social networks with foreign entities such as Facebook, Google... and users in Vietnam, we will be forced to operate in accordance with Vietnamese law.

In addition, in the near future, when the Law supplementing a number of articles of the Press Law is passed, the governing body will build a Start-up Fund in the technology field, supporting and encouraging units and organizations to build purely Vietnamese communities, serving the interests of society and the national interests responsibly./.

According to Tuoi Tre