The regulation 'banning taking and distributing nude photos online' will be abolished.

Mr. Hoang Minh Thai - Director of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism - said that Circular 01/2016 will be amended, removing the regulation on nude photos.

As of June 30, it has been a month and a half since Circular 01/2016 of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which prohibits taking and distributing offensive nude photos on telecommunications networks, came into effect. To date, no cases have been prosecuted. On social networks, many models still post bold nude photos.

In early June, on Instagram, model Le Xuan Tien posted a series of photos taken at the beach in various poses, with no clothes on. A series of beauties such as Pham Huong, Minh Trieu... posted semi-nude photos or sexy swimsuit photos on social networks.

Part of a nude photo series posted by model Le Xuan Tien.

Responding to VnExpress on the morning of June 30, Mr. Hoang Minh Thai said that Circular 01 is awaiting revision. The content has been posted online to collect opinions from individuals and organizations.On the Ministry's website, the Draft Circular detailing and implementing measures for a number of articles of Decree No. 79 is open for comments from June 28 to August 28.

Mr. Thai explained the amendment: "When Circular 01 was issued, many people, including the press, reacted. According to the general spirit and opinion of the Ministry of Justice, taking and distributing nude photos is regulated in criminal law and cyber security, so we will remove it."However, he affirmed that at this time it must still be handled according to Circular 01.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Chuong - Director of the Department of Performing Arts - said that the handling will depend on each locality. "Models and beauty queens working in any locality who take and distribute nude photos online that are considered offensive will be handled by that locality in coordination with the local Department of Information and Communications."

Circular 01 is considered difficult to implement due to the inadequacy in its content. The Circular states: "Art performers, fashion show performers; beauty contest winners, models are not allowed to take photos, record personal images without costumes or use offensive costumes, makeup and intentionally or unintentionally disseminate and circulate on telecommunications networks". However, there is no content that defines what is offensive nude and artistic nude.

According to VNE