At the forum, experts discussed the growing threat of fake news in Vietnam, especially amid rapid technological advancements.

According to Kim, AI and deepfake technologies account for 53% of fake news incidents and are the tools of choice for cybercriminals. Such misinformation not only distorts facts but also disrupts societal order.

He identified six main types of fake news: socio-political, financial-economic, health-related, AI/deepfake content, legal distortions that mislead the public, and defamatory content damaging the reputation and dignity of individuals or businesses.

To combat fake news, authorities deploy criminal, administrative, and technical measures, as well as strategies such as flooding the internet with accurate information to counteract false narratives.

From a business perspective, Duong Truong An, Head of Legal Affairs at Acecook, described the damage his company and the instant noodle industry have suffered due to unverified reports - such as claims that noodles contain toxins or harmful substances. He emphasized that failing to act within the first few hours could tarnish a brand's reputation built over years.

He added that fear and curiosity often drive consumers to share misinformation with friends and family. In doing so, recipients of fake news unintentionally become its propagators.

To address this issue, Dr. Huynh Van Thong from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, stressed the importance of education, communication, and raising public awareness.

He proposed incorporating media literacy and information assessment skills into school curricula, considering them fundamental competencies for citizens.

For individual consumers of information, Thong recommended building the habit of pausing and slowing down. "Even the simple act of choosing not to read, not to share, or not to react to potentially fake content can make a meaningful difference," he said.

Agreeing with this perspective, Lieutenant Colonel Vo Ngoc Toan, a lecturer at the People's Security University, advised the public to stay calm when receiving information, verify it through official sources like newspapers, relevant ministries, or search tools, and responsibly report fake news by taking screenshots and contacting the authorities - instead of spreading it further.

Du Lam