The fine will be applied for crimes such as denying revolutionary achievements; defaming the nation, great persons and national heroes; slandering and wounding the prestige of agencies and organisations; publishing over the registered number of more than 1,000 copies; and importing colour photocopy machines without a licence.

A fine between VND10 million and VND20 million will be levied on Internet or print providers who do any of the following things without a valid license: provide Internet service, publish special issues or auxiliary issue; open more channels and programmes; or increase the number of pages.

A fine from VND1 million to VND3 million will punish violations, such as failing to keep others' discretion and publishing personal letters without permission.

The decision, which comes into effect on July 1, states that administrative fines will be applied for violations of State management regulations on activities like press information, publishing, movies, performances, public cultural services, art, photography, copyright and works and advertisement.

If media agencies and journalists themselves incorrectly portray interviewees or fail to honour interviewees' requests to see the contents of an interview prior to publication, they are subject to a fine of between VND3 million and VND7 million.