The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) has told internet service providers (ISP) to interrupt Internet connection to Internet cafes from 11pm to 6am beginning September 1, 2010. The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) has told internet service providers (ISP) to interrupt Internet connection to Internet cafes from 11pm to 6am beginning September 1, 2010.

At a meeting of MoIC representatives, online game distributors and ISP executives on August 6, MoIC introduced five groups of solutions to deal with matters in controlling online games.  Most notable are halting Internet service at Internet cafes, a halt to licensing new games from now to the year’s end and banning advertisement of online games.

Deputy Minister Do Quy Doan noted that these measures are “tough” and online game distributors and Internet cafes that violate regulations will be severely punished.

Luu Vu Hai of MoIC’s Radio Television Broadcast and Electronic Information Agency explained that “we surveyed some Internet cafes and found out that these places were virtually unmanaged. They had no controls on illegal games, which account for 30 percent of the total.”

VinaGame director Le Hong Minh noted: “We also wish the ISPs to cut service to Internet cafes late at night because these are places where many social problems occur. We also expect MoIC and the Radio Television Broadcast and Electronic Information Agency to take measures to control illegal online games.”

The ISPs agreed to support MoIC’s instructions.  However, Ho Phuoc Thuan, director of Vietnam Data Communication Company (VDC), which serves southern provinces, said that “cutting the Internet connection to Internet cafes is a difficult measure for our business. We need assistance from area government officials.”

Another ISP, FPT Telecom, suggested installing Internet management software at all Internet cafes.

Nguyen Hong Hai, chief of the MoIC’s Telecommunications Department, believes that if Internet cafes are well-controlled, problems associated with online games will drop.

PV