Vietnam's new Decree 147 enforces stricter regulations on online gaming industry

Vietnam has introduced stringent regulations under Decree 147 to regulate the online gaming industry, with the government announcing a focus on protecting minors and reducing the potential negative social impacts of certain types of games.

The new decree, announced at a recent conference by the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, outlines updates aimed at controlling the digital gaming environment in the country.

One of the most impactful measures introduced by Decree 147 is the ban on casino-style and card-based games. These games are now ineligible for licensing, a move that the authorities hope will help minimize the potential harmful effects of such content on players, particularly the younger demographic.

As of mid-November 2024, the licensing process in Vietnam had resulted in the issuance of 288 G1 game licenses, with 184 still active. Meanwhile, 192 certifications had been granted for G2, G3, and G4 games, covering over 16,000 titles, the majority of which remain active.

In an effort to streamline the administrative process for gaming companies, Decree 147 also includes provisions to reduce bureaucratic barriers and speed up the licensing process. Local authorities, specifically the Departments of Information and Communications (DICs), have been granted the power to certify G2, G3, and G4 online games, and approve their distribution within the country.

Player verification is another key aspect of the new decree. All players must verify their identity through mobile phone numbers, ensuring that only authenticated users are allowed to participate in online gaming activities.

For players under the age of 16, registration now requires the inclusion of a parent or guardian’s details. These guardians will be responsible for overseeing their children's gaming activity, including content and playtime restrictions.

Le Thu Ha, Head of the Electronic Information Department, said: “These regulations are designed to limit gaming time for children.” Players under 18 are now restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes per gaming session, with a daily total of no more than 180 minutes.

The decree also imposes obligations on gaming companies, server providers, and telecommunications firms to implement protective measures for minors, ensuring that children are not exposed to harmful content. All games available in Vietnam must now be properly labeled, and cross-border app stores are required to block or remove games that do not meet the country's approval criteria.

Foreign gaming companies looking to provide services in Vietnam will now need to establish local operations within the country in order to comply with the new regulations. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, clarified that while G2, G3, and G4 games must be certified, individual game approval is not required.

“Some companies submit applications for dozens of games at once. To ensure efficient processing, businesses are advised to divide applications into manageable batches,” she said.

In addition, the decree strengthens measures to combat illegal and unlicensed games, with clear guidelines for app stores. Any games that are distributed without proper licenses are considered illegal, and app stores are now required to ensure that only games with the necessary approvals are made available to consumers.