The Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department (Department A05, Ministry of Public Security ) has just posted a warning about a case of disseminating false information on social media.
According to images released by authorities, on the evening of June 20th, an account shared a video of a serious traffic accident, claiming it occurred in Ho Chi Minh City. However, verification revealed that this clip was actually a video from 2019 in China, which had previously been published by many foreign news websites.
In the post, Department A05 emphasized that this is an act of spreading fake news and advised users to carefully verify information before posting or sharing it on social media.
Using old images and videos and associating them with a new event or location is a common tactic on the internet. This content is often posted to attract views, interactions, or create a viral effect. However, it can mislead users, cause public confusion, and hinder the work of authorities.
Notably, penalties for posting false information will increase significantly from July 1st, as stipulated in Government Decree 174/2026/ND-CP.
Specifically, individuals or organizations that provide or share false information causing public panic, damaging socio-economic activities, or affecting the operation of state agencies or public officials may be fined from 30 to 50 million VND if the offense does not warrant criminal prosecution.
In addition to fines, violators may also be forced to block their social media accounts, websites, community groups, or content channels used to disseminate the infringing information.
Authorities advise users to check the source of images and videos before sharing them, especially those that are shocking or related to accidents, natural disasters, or public security.
