Vingroup case sets legal benchmark against fake news in global integration era

THE HANOI TIMES — Many Vietnamese firms have already been victims of unverified reports, suffering severe damage to both their finances and reputations. Most companies stayed silent or issued weak responses instead of confronting such defamation.

Vingroup’s decision to sue nearly 70 organizations and individuals for spreading false information has delivered a strong shockwave to the domestic business community.

With such a landmark action, it is hoped that Vietnamese companies will find the courage to stand up for themselves and lay the groundwork for a new legal standard of conduct, especially as the country deepens international integration.

A civilized and decisive response

What stands out in this case is Vingroup’s choice of legal channels instead of trading arguments in the media. The enterprise filed lawsuits in Vietnam and even at a US court against a social media account with hundreds of thousands of followers. This was a move to defend its own interests and proof of its readiness to play on the global legal stage and to embrace the strict standards of the international business community and foreign investors.

In today’s business environment, lawsuits over defamation or false accusations are common. Large companies at home and abroad maintain dedicated legal teams for such matters.

Vingroup’s decision to act the same way sends a clear message: Vietnamese businesses are no longer “rookies” on the world stage but are confident enough to defend themselves under the same standards as their global competitors.

To many lawyers, Vingroup’s action seems reasonable and proper in today’s fast-changing world of uncertainties and adversities. For years, local companies often chose to “stay quiet” when facing falsehoods, fearing drawn-out lawsuits, complex procedures, or being misunderstood as defensive. However, staying silent only fueled public doubt and allowed false information to spread further.

By filing lawsuits, Vingroup has shown that the law is the most effective shield. More than 50 individuals and news sites have since issued apologies, corrections, and removed or hidden their posts about Vingroup.

They clearly understood that once a case reaches court, those who spread them must bear responsibility and cannot hide behind “freedom of speech.” If this approach spreads, the culture of corporate conduct in Vietnam will change: no longer passive acceptance, but readiness to use the law to defend reputation and protect the market.

Affirming the rule of law in cyberspace

Cyberspace has long been seen as a gray zone, where information spreads quickly and disappears just as fast, even though many cases have already been exposed by authorities and cybersecurity agencies.

Vingroup’s lawsuit proves that social media is not beyond the reach of the law. By notarizing evidence, collecting records, and filing lawsuits both domestically and abroad, the group demonstrates its determination to show that spreading falsehoods comes with consequences.

This move not only benefits Vingroup but also helps society reinforce trust in the legal system. Fake news harms more than one company, it erodes investor confidence, confuses consumers, and damages the nation’s image. By taking action, Vingroup has reaffirmed that the law is the ultimate tool for protecting truth.

Yet litigation, especially abroad, is never simple. Legal fees, time, and lengthy procedures are burdens even for a major corporation. Even if the company wins, enforcing judgments across borders poses many challenges.

Moreover, the line between “malicious fake news” and “legitimate criticism” is often thin. A healthy market economy needs room for critique and questioning. Without clear boundaries, lawsuits may be misinterpreted as attempts to stifle free expression. That is why transparent action and solid legal evidence are crucial to maintaining public trust.

The lawsuit is beyond being about corporate defense. It is also a wake-up call for investors and consumers. In an increasingly globalized market, foreign capital and investor sentiment depend heavily on trust. Just one false report about debt, losses or product risks can wipe trillions of Vietnamese dong from a company’s market value within hours.

Consumers are equally affected. Rumors about products being “foreign knock-offs” or “unsafe” can quickly turn buyers away from a brand. Without the ability to verify information, consumer choices are easily manipulated by false narratives, causing harm to businesses and customers themselves.

Vingroup’s action, therefore, aims to hold wrongdoers accountable and reminds the public that in the era of data overload, critical thinking and information literacy are the best protections.

Toward a standard for the integration era

As Vietnam moves deeper into the global economy, domestic businesses must learn to operate by international standards. This extends to management, products and technology and to protecting reputation and legal rights.

The new standard set by Vingroup can be understood in three main aspects. First, companies need to be proactive in using the law, ready to seek justice in both domestic and international courts when targeted by falsehoods. Second, transparency of information is essential and businesses must present evidence, procedures and intentions openly so that the public can understand clearly. Third, there is the responsibility to society, because defending the company also means safeguarding market confidence and protecting the wider community’s interests.

If more companies follow this path, a transparent and fair business environment will gradually emerge, providing Vietnam with a stronger foundation to rise in the eyes of global investors.

Vingroup’s lawsuit is a powerful message: fake news cannot be taken lightly, and the law is the most effective means of defending the truth. It is a warning to those who exploit social media to spread lies, and at the same time, it is an example for other companies to learn from.

In today’s global market, a company is judged not only by its products and profits and ability to safeguard its reputation and defend the market through legal means. Vingroup has taken a pioneering step, opening a new path for Vietnamese enterprises to assert their place on the global stage.

Beyond that, this case reminds investors and consumers: stay alert to every piece of news, verify before believing and act cautiously. Only when both businesses and society commit to protecting the truth can we build a healthy, transparent business environment and ensure Vietnam integrates into the world with confidence and strength.