Laos, Vietnam mull response to disinformation on social media

Delegations from Vietnam and Laos met in Vientiane yesterday to discuss ways to combat false information concerning the two countries posted on the internet and social media.
The two sides shared their experiences of disinformation and debated the best course of action to take.

The matter was discussed when the Vice Chairman of the Central Commission for Communication and Education of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Dr Bui Truong Giang, and his delegation visited Laos’ Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Buangeun  Xaphouvong.
The two parties discussed the falsehoods and disinformation that were circulated in the public domain with the intention of subverting the countries’ good relations and attacking their policies.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Buangeun  said Laos and Vietnam were facing the same issue concerning social media. Hostile groups in Laos and other countries had been spreading false information that caused tension between Laos and Vietnam.
“To tackle this, we will respond by educating officials, especially those working in the information and media sectors, about the need to strengthen efforts to build the public’s understanding of government policy,” he said.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism had set up a committee to follow up complaints by members of the public about posts on social media. The ministry had also responded through local media outlets.
The government also set up the Lao National Internet Committee run by the ministries of Information, Culture and Tourism; Post and Telecommunications; and Public Security among others to monitor and report on the situation.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update May 10, 2019)