Press freedom group condemns Vietnam law forcing journalists to name sources
Vietnamese journalists and international media advocates have raised the alarm after new legal amendments were approved that would allow authorities to force reporters to disclose the identities of their sources.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned the measures, warning that they pose serious risks to press freedom and the safety of journalists working in the country.
The changes were passed by Vietnam’s National Assembly on December 10 as part of amendments to the press law and the Protection of State Secrets Law, significantly expanding the powers of security agencies over media activity.
Under the revised press law, the Ministry of Public Security will be able to compel journalists and media organisations to reveal confidential source information at the request of state authorities. Previously, such powers were restricted to judges and limited to investigations into serious crimes.
The amendment also requires all media outlets to comply with rules against publishing undefined “banned information” and to retain archived copies of all published material in case of investigation. Authorities have yet to clarify what content would be considered prohibited.
The revised press law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, although a full official version of the amended legislation has not been made public. The most recent version available is a shortened draft released during a public consultation earlier this year.
In a separate move, lawmakers also amended the Protection of State Secrets Law, expanding the range of information classified as secret. Newly protected categories include details of senior leaders’ overseas activities, state compensation, and international investment dispute settlements.
Those provisions are due to come into force on March 1, 2026, further narrowing the scope of information journalists can legally report.
The IFJ said the amendments form part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism and critical speech in Vietnam, citing recent actions against digital platforms and foreign media outlets.
“The Vietnamese government continues to crack down on critical voices, suppressing communications channels, forcing the disclosure of sources, and criminalising dissent,” the IFJ said. “IFJ calls for these new amendments to be overturned and for the authorities to uphold the right of journalists to report freely and without fear as per Vietnam’s constitution.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
