One of the notable contents of the draft is the strict prohibition of acts of distorting, modifying lyrics, modifying music, parody lyrics, cutting or distorting the National Anthem; performing the National Anthem in the form of insulting, mocking or disrespecting solemnity.
Such regulations are necessary because the National Anthem is a national symbol. When the National Anthem resonates, that melody represents the country and arouses national pride.
Therefore, the National Anthem needs to be used correctly, uniformly and standardly. This requirement becomes even more necessary in the digital age.
Previously, to edit lyrics, edit music or create a different version of a musical work, certain skills and means were needed.
But nowadays, with digital tools and especially artificial intelligence, almost anyone can change their voice, rhythm, lyrics, arrangement or create a different version in a very short time.
Technology expands creative space, but with national symbols, there must be clear limits.
Another issue, as pointed out by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism itself, is that the national anthems and hymns being used are not really unified, still different in harmony, arrangement, speed, duration and sound quality.
Therefore, along with regulations on prohibited acts, it is necessary to publicize and widely provide standard national anthems and hymns with good quality so that organizations or events can easily access and use them, in order to limit unnecessary errors.
Another issue that also needs to be clarified is the scope of concepts such as "cutting and pasting", "distorting" or use in activities "not consistent with the solemn nature".
For example, a documentary film, television report or historical education product may only use a section of the National Anthem due to content and duration requirements.
Such legitimate uses need to be clearly distinguished from acts of deliberately cutting and pasting to distort, ridicule or detract from solemnity.
These concepts, if regulated and interpreted more specifically, will be more favorable for implementation as well as avoid the situation where people and organizations are hesitant even when they have a legitimate need to use the National Anthem.
But the most effective way to protect it is not only to set out prohibitions, but also to add clear standards, provide convenient standards, and help each person understand that using the National Anthem properly is also to show respect for a sacred symbol of the nation.
Providing standards is also a more effective soft management than just setting bans.
