Vietnam has passed a new law amidst the coronavirus outbreak which for the first time gives authorities powers to fine people for publishing or sharing what it deems to be “fake news” on social media. Authorities say the law is aimed at tackling both “falsehoods” related to the pandemic, but also wider forms of misinformation, worsening an already restrictive legal landscape for what remains of the country’s critical and independent media. The new rules, which will come into effect on April 15, will fine people who post or share “fake news” about COVID-19 between €390-775 – which is several months’ salary for many Vietnamese.