For digital content to reach viewers, it must pass through intermediary service providers such as social media platforms, internet service providers, search engines, and content storage services.
However, the extensive piracy seen in recent years is partly due to the passive response of these intermediaries. Some even deliberately evade responsibility or create obstacles to the enforcement of copyright and related rights.
One striking example is a short film series produced and distributed via social media. Within just one night, over 500 TikTok accounts copied and re-uploaded an entire episode. Nearly all of the production company’s films were pirated in this way, causing a significant drop in viewership on the original channel. This forced them to halt production by the end of 2024. What’s more frustrating is that they encountered numerous difficulties when they attempted to use TikTok’s copyright complaint tools.
Previously, individuals or organizations wishing to file a copyright complaint had to submit a request through government agencies, which then instructed intermediary service providers to remove the infringing content—a time-consuming process. In 2023, the government issued Decree 17, which requires intermediaries such as social media platforms, telecommunications companies, search engine providers, and content storage services to receive and process copyright complaints directly from usersaccording to a structured timeline of days and even hours. This regulation was seen as a groundbreaking and much-anticipated measure. However, two years on, and it remains largely unenforced.
According to statistics from the Copyright Office, there are currently at least 80 companies providing intermediary services in Vietnam. Yet, only 20 have publicly offered a phone number or email address for handling copyright complaints. This sluggish compliance is due to the lack of enforcement measures or penalties.
While penalties are crucial, it is equally important to establish standardized procedures for providing copyright ownership information and evidence. If intermediary services are left to assess and verify complaints independently, they will face challenges, and the system will remain prone to delays and negligence.
