Vietnam's parliament on Wednesday adopted a series of reforms affecting both the press law and legislation governing state secrets, changes that press freedom organizations say will deal a major blow to journalistic independence and the protection of their sources. The amendments, reviewed by Reuters, notably stipulate that reporters could be compelled to reveal the identity of their sources during investigations into any type of crime.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) considers this legislative development particularly worrying. Aleksandra Bielakowska, the organization's representative, denounced a further "restriction of the legal framework governing press freedom in Vietnam" and warned that these measures would make the country "a place where it will be almost impossible for journalists to report freely." Vietnam already ranks 173rd out of 180 in RSF's World Press Freedom Index.
The Vietnamese government did not immediately respond to the criticism. Authorities generally justify tightening media control by citing the need to protect national security and combat disinformation, a recurring argument in a country where the press is tightly controlled by the state and independent journalists regularly face prosecution.
The new press law, which will come into effect in July, expands the government's scope for demanding the release of sensitive information. It is accompanied by a reform of the rules relating to state secrets, broadening the categories of information covered by confidentiality. Observers believe this combination significantly increases the legal risk for journalists, particularly those investigating sensitive topics such as corruption, controversial industrial projects, or human rights abuses.
These changes come at a time when Hanoi is seeking to tighten its control over public space, at a time when social media is playing an increasingly important role in disseminating alternative information. Human rights advocates believe that this tightening of legislation risks further stifling investigative journalism and depriving the public of essential access to independent information.
