Information ministry seeks to remove violating apps from TV, remote control

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Thanh Lam said his ministry would discuss the issue of removing the apps from their TVs and remote controls with five TV manufacturers.

Earlier this month it had held discussions with Samsung and LG, he said.

It wants TV manufacturers to seek authorities’ opinions before adding shortcut buttons on remote controls for apps, he said.

Manufacturers should also add Vietnamese media apps and shortcuts to them on the remote control to make it easier for viewers to access them, he said.

Samsung said on May 17 it would comply with the laws and is waiting for instructions from the ministry to work with app providers for removing them from its products if necessary.

Certain TV remotes now have shortcuts to apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+, all transnational services.

Some also have buttons for Vietnamese apps like VieON.

Lam said toxic and proscribed content needs to be stopped on transnational channels both through policies and changing user behavior.

"The last battle will happen on TV remotes."

Accessing Vietnamese channels takes more effort, which could put off users, he added.