The Vietnam Journalists Association (VJA) on December 25 released a code of conduct on social networks that will come into force on January 1, 2019. 
VJA's deputy head Ho Quang Loi. Photo: Lao Dong
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Information posted online by reporters is regarded as something totally different with other people. That’s why each reporter must be responsible for what he/she conveys, said Ho Quang Loi, deputy head of VJA.
The official emphasized the necessity of avoiding misconduct, saying that reporters’ wrong ideas or actions would cause countless social impacts on the online community.
The revised Law on Press, which took effect in 2017, stated that reporters would have license revoked if they break the code of conduct, causing serious damage.
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Vietnam has witnessed the mushrooming of social networks with the dominance of Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter. In the common trend, reporters are those closely following the use of and seeking information on social networks.
Currently, the country has more than 19,000 licensed reporters while the number of social network users hit 55 million or 57% of the population, according to We Are Social.
Statistics by the organization show that Vietnamese people spend average seven hours online, including 2.5 hours for social networks, mostly Facebook (61%) and Youtube (59%).
Vietnam ranks the world’s 7th largest country in terms of Facebook users and the number is still on the rise.
