(VOVworld) -  The Government’s decree 72 on managing, supplying, and using Internet services and information will take effect on September 1. The compilation and issuance of the decree show the Government’s continuous effort to comprehend the legal system and affirm the policy of managing while providing conditions for the Internet to grow. The facts contradict criticism by some unfriendly organizations and individuals who say that decree 72 is an attack on freedom of information.

Decree 72, which will be valid from September 1, 2013, defines in detail Internet services, resources, principles of management, supply, and usage of online information, and the management and establishment of web portals and social networks. In addition to generating a legal corridor for the development of new types of media besides traditional media on the Internet, decree 72 enhances information security and safety on the Internet. It doesn’t hamper freedom of information or speech as various unfriendly organizations and individuals have charged. The decree manages the supply and usage of Internet services in line with national codes of morality, culture, and security and domestic and international law.

In the era of Internet and electronic information access, freedom of information and speech must be ultimately respected. To prevent negative activities relating to freedom of information and speech on the Internet is the responsibility of any government to ensure that freedom of information and speech serve the legitimate interests of the public and national stability and development. Depending on national conditions, countries have policies and laws to protect freedom of speech. Freedom of information and speech is protected when it doesn’t violate other basic rights.

 The UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights says: “In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.”

In the world, many countries’ laws recognize the right to freedom of information, speech, and press but don’t consider it “absolute freedom”. The US Criminal Code prohibits all activities to print, publish, edit, broadcast, dispatch, purchase, distribute, or display publicly materials to advocate, entice, or explain the necessity or righteousness of toppling the US government at any level. The US Constitution allows the Supreme Court to issue punishments when the media is found guilty of sabotaging, smearing, or slandering the State, society, or an individual. The constitutions of the 50 American States define as a crime abusing the freedom of speech and press.

The Media Development Agency (MDA) of the Singaporean Ministry of Information and Communications stipulates that licensed online newspapers have to withdraw content “damaging the harmony of ethnicity and religion within 24 hours” after receiving a request from the national media management agency.

The Constitution of Kyrgyzstan limits the exercise of rights and freedoms to protect others’ rights and freedoms, ensure social safety and order, territorial integrity, and law.

Senegal’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and press, but they are subject to other regulations.

The Internet has become a popular and indispensable part of society. Internet users understand how dangerous it would be to lack an effective tool to manage the rapidly growing Internet.  It’s obvious that internet users in any country must abide by national law. Vietnam has issued decree 72 to better protect the legitimate interests of its citizens. The decree, which generates a more transparent legal framework for Internet growth, is a necessary and justified activity that Vietnam, and many other nations, must do.