Yes, ad blockers are legal in Vietnam, but their use is constrained by cybersecurity and consumer protection laws. The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) permits ad blocking for personal use, yet prohibits circumvention of mandatory digital advertising or government-mandated content. Compliance with Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP and the 2026 Cybersecurity Law’s amendments remains critical for businesses and users.
Key Regulations for Ad Blockers in Vietnam
- Cybersecurity Law (2026 Amendments): Mandates that ad blockers cannot interfere with state-approved digital advertising or public service announcements. Violations may trigger fines under Article 15, up to 5% of annual revenue for enterprises.
- Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP: Prohibits the use of ad blockers to disrupt commercial websites’ revenue streams if they comply with Vietnam’s advertising regulations. Websites may legally block access to users employing ad blockers.
- Consumer Protection Law (2023 Updates): Requires transparency in ad blocking tools. Users must not exploit ad blockers to evade mandatory disclosures or terms of service, risking civil liability under Article 17.