Vietnam’s Communist Party Launches AI-Driven Influencer Propaganda Initiative

President To Lam, who also serves as the Communist Party’s General Secretary, has overseen a consolidation of Vietnam’s security forces. International rankings consistently list the country among the world’s most restrictive media environments, with authorities directing news coverage, censoring social-media posts, and penalising dissent through fines or detention.

The Straits Times

An internal draft prepared in April outlines a plan to enlist at least 1,000 social-media influencers and 5,000 artificial-intelligence specialists by 2030. The party aims for “at least 80 % of information in the Vietnamese language online space to be positive” and to use AI tools to delete content that breaches guidelines within 24 hours. New formats such as podcasts, short videos and targeted posts are to complement traditional state media.

The Straits Times

DataReportal estimates that Vietnam had 79 million active social-media user identities in October, representing roughly 80 % of the population. Facebook remains the dominant platform, while TikTok and other short-form services also attract large youth audiences.

The Straits Times

Party officials describe the initiative as a means to build “ideological immunity” against “harmful, toxic and false information.” Guidance issued in May urges state outlets to be more creative, citing influencers as a model for engaging younger citizens. The plan promises non-monetary perks such as sponsored trips for participating influencers.

The Straits Times

An influencer who was approached for the scheme declined, citing a desire to preserve autonomy. He noted that participants would receive perks but no direct financial compensation. Cultural pushback also emerged when a song titled “My Uncle,” praising To Lam, was deemed “improperly oriented” by state media, prompting a directive to limit coverage of such content.

The Straits Times

The draft provides quantitative targets but offers no timeline for recruitment milestones or enforcement mechanisms. Independent verification of how many influencers have already joined remains unavailable, and the extent to which AI systems can achieve the 90 % removal rate is not documented.

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• “create 'ideological immunity' for the entire society against harmful, toxic and false information,” — Communist Party Propaganda Committee document

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• “Party requests typically involve publishing approved material and posts or promoting official activities, he said.” — Anonymous influencer

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• “Uncle leads the way, enlightening the path for our nation,” — Du Thien, performer of “My Uncle.”

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• “Participants could expect perks such as sponsored trips, but not financial compensation, said the person, who sought anonymity for fear of repercussion.” — Anonymous influencer

The Straits Times

The program is intended to amplify state-approved narratives, increase the share of positive Vietnamese-language content, and remove material deemed harmful within 24 hours using AI. By involving influencers, the party seeks to extend its messaging to younger audiences who favor short-form visual platforms.

The Straits Times