Therefore, Vingroup's lawsuit and other legal actions against a number of individuals and organizations spreading false information are not only to protect the reputation of a business but also to warn society and call on the State and the community to take more drastic action against this problem.
From the "kick" of social networks to the economic threat
In your opinion, what significance does Vingroup's actions have for the current Vietnamese business environment? This is simply self-defense or does it carry any message behind it?
- In my opinion, this is a legitimate action, aiming to protect the reputation, honor and interests of the business in a public and proper manner. Regardless of the reason or motive, fabricated and untrue news always causes serious consequences, not only causing personal harm, but also being able to sabotage businesses, customers, and partners, negatively affecting the lives of thousands and thousands of workers. More dangerous, distorting the business environment, disrupting healthy competition, eroding social trust and State discipline.
In Vingroup's case, I think that, as one of the leading enterprises in the economy, the lawsuit is necessary, even urgent, to clarify the problem, showing that many bad information in the past are fabricated and forged.
Moreover, this approach is encouraging for Vietnamese businesses, who are currently very "afraid" to stand up and protect themselves when falling into similar situations, and also lack the capacity to protect their legitimate interests, especially in a public, proper way, based on the law. This is especially important for forming and developing a healthy, competitive and respectful business environment in Vietnam.
Is it worth worrying about in fact because the acts of spreading false information have appeared for a long time, not just now, sir?
- Fake news is not new, but it is currently at a red alert level with a terrible rate of spread, the level of danger spreading from individuals, businesses to society and the State.
It should be noted that fake news, regardless of the engine - to attract views, destroy opponents or for the purpose of sabotage the business environment, the damage caused by it does not stop at one business. Not to mention, there may be a situation where a large number of individuals simultaneously spread fabricated news and organized attacks to destroy leading enterprises in order to sabotage the economy.
Therefore, I think it is time to recognize that this problem does not stop at each individual event - the individual enterprise. It is necessary to place it at the level of "national business environment", associated with social responsibility and State responsibility to protect the market business environment, protect the business community, and protect businesses to do business honestly.
The problem is that litigation in Vietnam is not popular, especially in cases of slander and fabrication on social networks. Is Vingroup's approach too "hard" and can it cause the opposite reaction, sir?
In many countries, lawsuits are "a daily occurrence in the district", but our society often "keeps the air of respect", rarely goes to the end of the truth, even lawsuits are examined from the perspective of " ethics". But the country has changed fundamentally, integrating internationally. Everything needs to be public, transparent, and straightforward, based on standards and criteria, and cannot just "listen to that" to judge and evaluate individuals and businesses. Suing those who violate the law will be a public and transparent message, forcing all wrongdoings to be brought to light. When Vingroup dares to speak up, many other individuals and businesses that encounter similar situations will also boldly speak up and defend themselves.
Vietnam needs a national strategy against fake news
In your opinion, what is the role of the State in the current fake news problem?
- We cannot accept the situation of "slowing hands" in the face of harmful information. The law must protect the right thing, protect a clean business environment so that businesses can do business honestly and develop. Those who have plots and actions that are wrong and intentionally harm the community and the economy must suffer appropriate punishment.
In particular, with Resolution 68 and many major policies of the Government and the National Assembly, the requirement to protect businesses becomes more urgent and clear. In this case, I think the Ministry of Public Security needs to promptly investigate, handle, and clean up those who spread fabricated information to protect businesses that do business honestly and fairly.
What is the long-term strategy for Vietnam to not only follow through to handle the case, but also build a "social immunity system" against fake news, sir?
- In my opinion, there are three key pillars. First, the business environment must be free and equal so that good enterprises are not disrupted. Second, society must be transparent, public and correct information must be spread, creating a natural shield against fake news. Third, the law must be strict, based on publicity, protecting property rights and fair competition.
Vietnam is behind, so it needs to approach international standards to have strong enough legal and technological tools to handle cyber issues - which are very complicated and cross-border. In particular, Vietnamese enterprises are demonstrating their global role, as Vingroup is doing. Therefore, we need more and more a transparent, objective protection mechanism and in accordance with international practices in the face of increasingly dangerous misinformation.
On the social side, in your opinion, what should we do to not become victims of fake news?
- In addition to the private awareness of each individual, the State and social organizations need to create a support mechanism to help people identify and react to fake news. In "adequacy of social networks", not everyone has enough knowledge and alertness to fight against motivated bad behaviors. Therefore, the community needs to be organized and protected to jointly create a "social shield" against this problem.
- Thank you very much!
