Vietnam’s National Competition Commission has issued an administrative penalty of VND810 million (approximately US$32,000) against VNG Corporation, the company behind the popular social media platform Zalo, for violating consumer rights and mishandling personal data. VNG Corporation, the operator of Zalo, has been fined VND810 million for violating regulations on user consent, data transparency, and consumer protection. Authorities noted another major issue: Zalo’s lack of visible, accessible policy communication tailored to vulnerable consumers, which is mandated under Vietnam’s consumer protection framework. The National Competition Commission has ordered VNG to cease these violations and thoroughly review and revise its policies to align with legal standards on consumer data protection. At the time, the Commission summoned VNG for a working session to investigate compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law, which officially came into force on January 1, 2026.
