Vietnam Tightens Grip on Tech Giants with New Cybersecurity Law

Vietnamese regulators approved last Tuesday a cybersecurity law that would put further pressure on internet and global tech companies operating in the communist country.

The law, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019, will require global firms such as Facebook and Google to other global technology firms to store personal data on users in Vietnam and open offices there.

However, a number of protesters criticized the cybersecurity bill which according to experts and activists could cause economic harm and stifle online dissent. Amnesty International likewise said the law was a “devastating blow” for freedom of expression which can be used by the government to force tech companies to surrender vast amounts of data, including personal information, and censor users’ posts.

Source: Reuters