The Ministry of Information and Communications will inspect the operations of TikTok in Vietnam during May, following recently-identified violations that had serious consequences, according to the Head of its Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information Le Quang Tu Do.

Speaking at a ministry press conference on April 6, Mr. Do said violations by TikTok have created a breeding ground for fake news, causing economic damage and social instability, and the platform has encouraged young people to imitate and follow negative and objectionable trends, distorting their perceptions and lifestyles and undermining the country’s cultural values.

TikTok began to develop strongly in Vietnam in 2019 with entertainment information. However, from 2022, the platform began to provide content that runs counter to the Vietnamese Party and State or that are harmful for children.

In order to prevent future violations, the ministry said it will ask businesses providing cross-border services to take responsibility for preventing and removing infringing content and information when requested by relevant authorities.