Vietnam Cracks Down On Social Media Privacy Failures
Tech giants are finding that the cost of doing business in Vietnam now comes with much stricter digital boundaries.
The Vietnam Competition Commission recently hit TikTok and local tech heavyweight VNG Group with combined fines totalling VND 1.7 billion (approximately $64,700).
These penalties highlight a new era of enforcement under the country’s 2026 data protection framework, signaling that the era of unchecked data harvesting is over.
Why Did Regulators Fine TikTok And Zalo
The investigation revealed that both platforms failed to give users basic control over their personal information.
TikTok, owned by ByteDance, was handed a VND 880 million (approximately $33,500) fine for misleading consumers and lacking a clear system for users to opt out of data-driven advertising.
Regulators found the platform's terms contained prohibited clauses and provided incomplete information that could confuse the public.
Similarly, VNG Group’s Zalo app was fined VND 810 million (approximately $30,800) after users complained they were not given the choice to refuse the use of their personal data by third-party businesses.
Is Your Personal Data Safe On These Apps
Vietnam’s updated laws now require platforms to obtain explicit, informed consent before touching a user's phone number, name, location, or online habits.
Zalo sparked significant public concern in late December 2025 when a controversial terms-of-service update essentially forced users to agree to data sharing to keep using the app.
The commission stepped in, ordering the removal of illegal clauses and demanding a full breakdown of Zalo's collection policies.
For TikTok, this marks a repeat offense.
The platform previously faced government pressure in 2023 for its inability to filter content that violated local statutes.
How Are The Platforms Responding To The Penalties
Both companies are moving quickly to patch their regulatory leaks.
A spokesperson for VNG confirmed the company has “cooperated with authorities to address the issues, revised several policies and is continuing to address the remaining issues.”
Meanwhile, TikTok has shifted its stance to one of total compliance.
A representative for the video platform stated that they have “begun implementing adjustments” based on the government's findings.
The firm added,
“TikTok is committed to fostering a transparent business and shopping environment, in compliance with local laws and consumer interests at the core.”
Does A New Ownership Deal Secure TikTok Future
While navigating legal hurdles in Southeast Asia, TikTok has reached a major milestone in the West to avoid a total shutdown.
ByteDance has finalised a deal to move a significant portion of its US operations to a new entity backed by Oracle Corp., Silver Lake Management LLC, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX.
Under this new structure, Shou Chew remains at the global helm of ByteDance assets, while Adam Presser takes the reins as CEO of the American venture.
This restructure effectively ends a years-long political tug-of-war, with platform officials expressing confidence that their future in the United States is finally on solid ground.