The case of a teacher in a mountainous area being administratively punished for posting false information when traveling in Nha Trang seems to have ended after the authorities stepped in.
However, the worrying thing is that after the penalty decision, a wave of personal attacks broke out on social networks, attracting many groups, accounts and community pages to attack not only the teacher but also the leaders where she works.
It is necessary that individuals who provide false information and cause misunderstanding about the tourism environment and culture of a locality are an act that should be condemned.
And the teacher in the incident was fined 5 million VND by the authorities of Khanh Hoa province for the act of "Curring false information, insulting the reputation of the agency or organization".
That is the appropriate handling in a society that values the law, and is a lesson for anyone who uses social media irresponsibly.
However, the issue that needs to be discussed here is the act of "beating up" individuals online after the law has handled it. Many people took advantage of the incident to attack the teacher on their personal pages, insult her honor, and post personal photos and information without permission.
Not stopping there, some also lured and attacked the leaders where she was working.
Up to now, the incident has not been a constructive criticism, but has turned into cyber violence. It not only violates the law, but also breaks civilized standards in digital behavior.
The desire to be lenient, hostile or the feeling of " punishing others instead of the law", even for individuals and organizations that are not related, is a violation of the law and should not be in a rule of law and civilized society.
No one is allowed to insult the dignity of others for any reason. Even those who have made mistakes have the right to be protected from honor and have the opportunity to correct their mistakes.
The teacher in this case did not commit a criminal act, did not cause particularly serious consequences, and did not have any dangerous behavior to society. When the law has handled the case, the case needs to be closed properly and according to standards.
Khanh Hoa Provincial Police have clearly warned that continuing to post images and personal information, distort content, and defame the honor of others is a violation of the law, and will be handled if it continues.
This is a reminder not only to those involved in cyber attacks, but also to all of us about the line between freedom of speech and personal responsibility in the digital space.
Social networks are a tool for connection, not a means or a weapon for punishment or "torture" outside the law, or a just name to insult, humiliate and destroy others.
