Vietnam removes 30,000 fake social media accounts in H1
Transnational online scams have caused huge monetary damage to individuals and organizations.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism removed 30,000 fake social media accounts in the first half of 2025, as reported in a press briefing on July 24.
Authorities warn people about fake government apps that aim to mislead and scam them. Photo: Kinh Te & Do Thi Newspaper
Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, said the ministry requested that social media platforms take down tens of thousands of posts that violated their terms of service, as well as accounts intended for online impersonation and fraud, a crime that is on the rise.
"We've had regular meetings with the most popular social media platforms in Vietnam, such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, to urge them to enforce stricter content moderation algorithms, especially those using artificial intelligence."
Authorities have also ramped up public awareness campaigns to help people protect themselves better from online threats and have sent text messages directly to citizens, warning them of the latest scams circulating on social media platforms.
The department has posted regular updates on new scam tactics on its official website and provides a platform for the public to report suspicious activity, said Do.
While technical measures are necessary, he added that the long-term solution lies in strengthening each citizen’s “immunity” against increasingly sophisticated forms of online fraud.
According to Do, not only have online scams multiplied, they have also become more complex and widespread, often involving transnational criminal networks. Large numbers of fake accounts impersonating government agencies, companies, and public figures have emerged, causing serious harm to individuals and organizations.
In a fast-changing world driven by rapid digital development, Do called on the media and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in identifying and alerting the public to emerging threats. This approach aims to prevent losses and foster a safer, healthier, and more trustworthy online environment.
