Vietnam Implements Decree 147 to Regulate Online Gaming Industry
Vietnam has introduced Decree 147, a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at safeguarding minors and mitigating the social impacts of certain online games. Announced by the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, the decree represents a significant step toward stricter governance of the country’s digital gaming landscape.
Key Measures Target Harmful Gaming Content
One of the most notable aspects of Decree 147 is the outright ban on casino-style and card-based games.
These games, now deemed ineligible for licensing, are targeted due to their potential harmful effects, especially on younger audiences.
The government’s goal is to minimize the risks associated with such content, fostering a safer gaming environment.
As of November 2024, Vietnam’s licensing process had yielded 288 G1 game licenses, with 184 still active.
An additional 192 certifications for G2, G3, and G4 games have been issued, encompassing over 16,000 titles. Most of these titles continue to operate under the new regulatory structure.
Streamlining the Licensing Process for Gaming Companies
To reduce administrative hurdles, Decree 147 empowers local authorities, particularly the Departments of Information and Communications (DICs), to certify and approve G2, G3, and G4 games for distribution.
Strengthening Player Verification and Parental Oversight
The decree introduces stringent player verification protocols, requiring all users to authenticate their identities through mobile phone numbers.
For players under 16, registration must include parental or guardian information, with these individuals responsible for monitoring their children’s gaming activities.
Le Thu Ha, Head of the Electronic Information Department, emphasized the importance of these measures: “These regulations are designed to limit gaming time for children.”
For minors, strict time restrictions now apply. Players under 18 are limited to 60 minutes per gaming session and a daily total of no more than 180 minutes.
New Obligations for Gaming Companies and App Stores
Decree 147 imposes new responsibilities on gaming companies, server providers, and telecommunications firms to protect minors.
Games must now include proper labeling, and app stores are required to block or remove any titles that fail to meet Vietnam’s approval standards. Cross-border platforms must ensure compliance to continue operating within the country.
For foreign companies, establishing local operations in Vietnam has become a prerequisite for providing gaming services. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, clarified: “Some companies submit applications for dozens of games at once. To ensure efficient processing, businesses are advised to divide applications into manageable batches.”
