Brian Jeffrey
The government has introduced Decree 147/2024/NĐ-CP, which lays out guidelines for managing and utilizing internet and online information services.
In a discussion about the decree, Tran The Phuong, the Deputy Head of the Policy Department at the Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Information and Communications, highlighted the responsibilities of companies offering content services based on mobile networks.
These services are characterized as information provided by entities to mobile users via telecom infrastructure, specifically excluding product inquiries, customer support, and transaction confirmations.
1. User Approval and Registration Confirmation: Content services that involve recurring charges (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) may only commence after users have given clear consent and received a confirmation message. This notification can be delivered through SMS or various other methods.
The confirmation message must encompass: Successful registration confirmation, Service name, Telecom code or number associated with the service, Billing cycle and fees, Instructions for cancellation, Customer support hotline.
2. Monthly Updates
On the 25th of each month, telecom providers are required to send subscribers a message detailing: The content services they are enrolled in, The package name, and Service charges.
Control and User Protection: Providers need to supply users with options to check their transaction history, reflecting charges from as far back as 180 days from the date of registration. Upon submitting a cancellation request, users must receive a confirmation promptly.
1. Ensuring Standards: Providers are mandated to make sure that all content services are in line with applicable laws.
2. Service Suspension or Termination:
Telecom companies are obligated to disconnect services temporarily or permanently if: Content providers breach legal regulations or receive warnings/complaints regarding unlawful content. They must act within 24 hours when directed by the appropriate authority. If a content provider’s registration certificate, telecom codes, or numbers are suspended or revoked.
3. Oversight Management: Providers must ensure continuous monitoring of their processes, including service registration, authentication, denial of renewals, and cancellations, ensuring compliance with Decree 147.
The Decree 147/2024/NĐ-CP will come into effect on December 25, 2024.
