Story perspectives

Vietnam's New Media Laws Spark Outcry Over Press Freedom

12/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 10, 2025, Vietnam's parliament enacted reforms to media and state secrets laws.
The reforms drew sharp criticism from press freedom advocates.
Aleksandra Bielakowska of Reporters Without Borders called reporting in Vietnam nearly impossible.
The press law, effective July, requires journalists to disclose sources on request, expanding the Public Security Ministry's power.
The amended state secrets law, effective March, broadens protected information categories and tightens media restrictions.

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Story summary

On December 10, 2025, Vietnam's parliament enacted reforms to media and state secrets laws.
The reforms drew sharp criticism from press freedom advocates.
Aleksandra Bielakowska of Reporters Without Borders called reporting in Vietnam nearly impossible.
The press law, effective July, requires journalists to disclose sources on request, expanding the Public Security Ministry's power.
The amended state secrets law, effective March, broadens protected information categories and tightens media restrictions.