HCMC – Vietnam will cap the waiting time before online video advertisements can be skipped at a maximum of five seconds from February 15, under new government rules aimed at limiting disruption to users.
The regulation is set out in Decree 342/2025, which guides the implementation of several provisions of the Advertising Law related to online advertising. The decree takes effect on February 15.
Under the new rules, non-fixed online advertisements displayed as static images must allow users to close them immediately, without any waiting time.
For advertisements presented as animated images or videos, the maximum delay before users can skip or close the ad must not exceed five seconds.
Non-fixed advertisements are defined as ads that appear at changing positions and times on online service platforms. They may cover all or part of the main content and interrupt users’ access to information.
The decree bans the use of misleading or hard-to-detect fake close buttons. Ads in this category must be easy to close and require only a single interaction by the user.
Online advertisements must also clearly display icons and instructions allowing users to report content that violates the law. Users must be able to refuse, close or stop viewing advertisements they consider inappropriate.
Advertisers and related parties are required to block and remove illegal advertisements within 24 hours of a request from competent authorities.
If they fail to comply, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, working with the Ministry of Public Security, will apply technical measures to block violating advertisements and services and handle violations under existing regulations.
Telecommunications firms and internet service providers are also required to block access to illegal advertisements and services within 24 hours of receiving requests from authorities.
