US 'concerned' by new Vietnam internet control law

The US has criticized a new internet decree in Vietnam that would restrict online users from discussing current affairs. The law, announced last week and due to come into force in September, says social media should only be used for exchanging "personal information". The law, known as Decree 72, bans the online publication of material that "opposes" the Vietnamese government or "harms national security". In a statement released on Tuesday, the US embassy in Hanoi said it was: "deeply concerned by the decree's provisions that appear to limit the types of information individuals can share via personal social media accounts and on websites", adding: "Fundamental freedoms apply online just as they do offline".  Vietnam has convicted 46 activists, including bloggers, for anti-state activity this year. The country is a one-party communist state and the government maintains a tight grip on media.