Circular No. 24/2014/TT-BTTTT provides detailed regulations on the management, provision, and use of online electronic game services, applicable to organizations, enterprises, and individuals participating in such activities.

 

CIRCULAR

Detailed provisions on the management, provision, and use of online electronic game services

The Minister of Information and Communications issues the Circular detailing certain provisions of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP dated July 15, 2013, of the Government regarding the management, provision, and use of internet services and information on online electronic games.

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Pursuant to Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP dated July 15, 2013 of the Government on management, provision, and use of Internet services and information on networks;

Based on Decree No. 132/2013/ND-CP dated October 16, 2013 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

Article 1. Amending and supplementing some articles of Circular No. 19/2016/TT-BTTTT dated June 30, 2016 of the Minister of Information and Communications on forms for registration declaration, application for license, certificate, license, and business report as prescribed in Decree No. 06/2016/NĐ-CP dated January 18, 2016 of the Government on management, provision, and use of radio and television services.

This Circular details the activities related to the management, provision, and use of online electronic game services (hereinafter referred to as online electronic games).

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

This Circular applies to organizations, enterprises, and individuals involved in the management, provision, and use of online electronic game services.

1. Online electronic game payment support service: refers to all activities that support enterprises providing online electronic game services in collecting money from players, including intermediary payment services, bank payment services, and other payment methods as prescribed by law.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

2. Virtual unit: is a type of tool stipulated by enterprises providing online electronic game services for exchanging and purchasing virtual items, reward points, and skills within the game.

Article 3. Detailed provisions on prohibited acts in the provision of online electronic game services under Article 5 of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP

1. Importing, producing, providing, advertising, and using online electronic game services containing content that depicts:

a) Images, sounds, actions of killing people, cruel torture, gruesome scenes; inciting violence, bestiality; actions causing dismemberment of body parts; images of blood that are horrifying; images, sounds, actions of pornography, indecency, immorality, contrary to traditional ethics, culture, customs, and traditions of the nation; distorting historical traditions, violating territorial integrity and sovereignty;

b) Images, sounds describing actions, inciting suicide, drug use, alcohol consumption, smoking, terrorism; actions of abuse, exploitation, trafficking in women and children;

c) Other violations as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 5 of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP.

2. Advertising, introducing, and providing online electronic game services for games that have not been approved for content and script, and have not announced the provision of services as prescribed in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 31 of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP.

3. Exploiting the provision and use of online electronic game services for gambling, organizing gambling, fraud, illegal business operations, or other violations of the law.

Article 4. Classification of online electronic games based on player age

1. Online electronic games are classified according to the following age groups:

a) Online electronic games for adults (18 years old and above, marked as 18+) are games with combat activities using weapons; without pornographic activities, images, or sounds;

b) Online electronic games for teenagers (12 years old and above, marked as 12+) are games with combat activities using weapons but weapon images are not shown up close and clearly; sound effects of weapon collisions during combat are minimized; without pornographic activities, images, sounds, or characters wearing revealing clothing, focusing on sensitive body parts;

c) Online electronic games for all ages (marked as 00+) are animated simulation games; without weapon combat activities; without eerie, terrifying, violent images, sounds; without pornographic activities, images, sounds, or characters wearing revealing clothing, focusing on sensitive body parts.

2. Responsibilities of enterprises providing online electronic game services in classifying games based on player age:

a) Self-classify online electronic games according to the age groups specified in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Include the results of classifying online electronic games based on player age in the application dossier for approval of content and script for G1 games, and in the announcement dossier for provision of G2, G3, and G4 games. Age classification is one of the review contents for G1 games;

c) Display the results of classifying online electronic games based on player age at the top left corner of the advertisement frame and the device screen while players are using the online electronic game service.

3. When there is evidence concluding that the age classification of online electronic games by enterprises for G2, G3, and G4 games does not comply with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, the Radio, Television, and Electronic Information Administration will issue a document requesting the enterprise to adjust the classification within fifteen working days.

If the enterprise fails to adjust the age classification of online electronic games, the Radio, Television, and Electronic Information Administration will issue a document requesting the enterprise to stop providing the service for that game and implement measures to ensure the rights of players. If the enterprise does not cease distribution within fifteen working days from the date of issuance of the aforementioned document, the Radio, Television, and Electronic Information Administration will proceed to revoke the registration certificate for the provision of online electronic game services.

In case the enterprise does not adjust the results of classifying video games according to the age of players, the Radio, Television, and Electronic Information Administration shall issue a document requiring the enterprise to stop providing services for that game and implement measures to ensure the rights of players. If, within fifteen (15) working days from the date of issuance of the aforementioned document, the enterprise fails to cease distribution as required, the Radio, Television, and Electronic Information Administration shall proceed to revoke the registration certificate for providing video game services.

Article 5. Advisory Board for Video Game Content Review

1. The Advisory Board for Video Game Content Review shall consist of representatives from relevant agencies and organizations with appropriate expertise.

2. The Advisory Board for Video Game Content Review shall advise on the review process of content, scripts, and technical plans for providing G1 video game services and other special cases as required by the Ministry of Information and Communications, ensuring thorough and impartial advisory work.

3. The Advisory Board for Video Game Content Review shall be established and operate pursuant to the Decision of the Minister of Information and Communications.

Article 6. Personal Information of Players

1. When creating an account to use G1 video game services, players must provide the following personal information:

a) Full name;

b) Date of birth;

c) Registered domicile address;

d) Identity card number or passport number, date of issue, place of issuance;

đ) Phone number, email address (if available).

In the case where the player is under 14 years old and does not have an identity card or passport, the lawful guardian of the player decides to register their personal information to express consent and bear legal responsibility for such registration.

2. Enterprises providing G1 video game services must retain players' personal information throughout the period of service usage and for six months thereafter; enterprises providing G1 video games must implement technical equipment systems ready to connect to the national citizen identification database or the national personal code system at the request of competent authorities to verify player information.

Article 7. Provisions on Virtual Items, Virtual Units, Reward Points

1. Enterprises providing video game services may only create virtual items, virtual units, and reward points within the game according to the content and script reported in the approved decision on the content and script of the video game and in the enterprise's periodic reports.

2. Players may use reward points or virtual units in their game accounts to exchange for virtual items provided by enterprises offering video game services.

3. Enterprises providing video game services have the obligation to manage virtual items, virtual units, and reward points within the game according to the published rules and consistent with the approved content and script of the game.

4. Virtual items, virtual units, and reward points can only be used within the scope of the game and for the purposes reported by the enterprise. Virtual items, virtual units, and reward points are not assets and cannot be converted back into money, payment cards, gift certificates, or valuable physical objects traded outside the game.

5. No buying or selling of virtual items, virtual units, or reward points between players.

Article 8. Rights and Obligations of Enterprises Providing Server Rental Services, Server Hosting Services; Telecommunications Enterprises, Internet Service Providers telecommunications enterprise, Internet service provider

1. Actively refuse, suspend, or terminate connections with enterprises providing video game services that have not been granted a decision approving the content and script or have not announced the provision of services as stipulated in Clause 2, Clause 3, Article 31 of Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP.

2. Implement requests from competent state management authorities to temporarily suspend or terminate connections with enterprises without licenses or registration certificates for providing video game services; enterprises providing video game services that have not been granted a decision approving the content and script or have not announced the provision of services as stipulated in Clause 2, Clause 3, Article 31 of Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP.

3. Cooperate with competent state management authorities in ensuring information security and investigating, preventing illegal acts in the provision and use of video game services.

Article 9. Rights and Obligations of Enterprises Providing Payment Support Services in Online Games

1. Actively refuse, suspend, or terminate connections with enterprises providing video game services that have not been granted a decision approving the content and script or have not announced the provision of services as stipulated in Clause 2, Clause 3, Article 31 of Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP.

2. Implement the request of competent state management agencies to temporarily suspend or terminate connection with enterprises providing online game services that have not been granted approval decisions on content and scripts or have not reported service provision according to Clause 2, Clause 3, Article 31 of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP.

3. Cooperate with competent state management agencies in ensuring information security and investigating, preventing illegal acts related to payment services in the provision and use of online game services.

Article 10. Responsibilities of Provincial Departments of Information and Communications

1. Take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to organize on-site inspections of technical conditions of enterprises providing online game services registered for operation in their locality after the enterprise officially provides services.

2. Organize inspections, checks, and handle violations concerning the provision of online game services by enterprises registering their main office or having systems located in their locality according to the tasks and authorities prescribed by law.

Article 11. Provisions on Information Provision and Reporting System

1. Information Provision:

a) The Ministry of Information and Communications publishes a list of enterprises that have been granted, revoked licenses, certificates for registration to provide online game services; a list of online games G1 that have been granted, revoked approval decisions on content and scripts; a list of online games G2, G3, G4 that have completed notification procedures for service provision; a list of games that have ceased service provision; a list of licenses, certificates, approval decisions on content and scripts that are no longer valid on the Ministry's electronic portal at www.mic.gov.vn;

b) Provincial Departments of Information and Communications update lists of online games G1 that have been granted, revoked approval decisions on content and scripts; lists of online games G2, G3, G4 that have completed notification procedures for service provision on their electronic portals; update lists of online games that have ceased service provision and notify public service providers within their jurisdiction.

2. Reporting System:

a) Enterprises providing online game services implement a reporting system every six months (on June 1st and December 1st each year) according to Form No. 9 sent to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration, Provincial Department of Information and Communications where the enterprise has registered its main office and report promptly upon request of competent state management agencies;

b) Provincial Departments of Information and Communications report to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) every six months (on June 15th and December 15th each year) about management, provision, and use of online game services in their locality according to Form No. 10.

Chapter II

LICENSE ISSUANCE FOR PROVIDING ONLINE GAME SERVICES G1

AND APPROVAL OF CONTENT AND SCRIPTS OF ONLINE GAME SERVICES G1

Article 12. Conditions regarding organization and personnel providing G1 electronic game services

The conditions regarding organization and personnel stipulated in Clause 1, Article 32 of Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP shall be understood as follows:

1. Having a main office with a clear address and contact phone number.

2. Having a team of personnel managing electronic games appropriate to the scale of operations, ensuring at least one (1) personnel manages two (2) servers.

3. Having personnel with a bachelor's degree or higher responsible for managing the provision of electronic game services.

Article 13. Technical conditions for providing G1 electronic game services

The technical conditions stipulated in Clause 1, Article 32 of Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP shall be understood as follows:

1. The system of equipment providing electronic game services for all games of the enterprise must ensure the following conditions:

a) Possessing the ability to store and update complete personal information of players as prescribed in Article 6 of this Circular;

b) The payment management system for the enterprise’s electronic games must be located in Vietnam and connected to Vietnamese service providers supporting payments, ensuring accurate and complete updates and storage, and allowing players to access detailed information about their payment accounts;

c) Managing playing time from 00:00 to 24:00 daily and ensuring that the total usage time of all G1 electronic games provided by the enterprise for each player under 18 years old does not exceed 180 minutes in 24 hours;

d) Displaying the age classification results of electronic games when introducing, advertising games, and providing electronic game services; having a warning message stating "Playing more than 180 minutes a day will adversely affect health" in easily visible positions on the game forum and on the player's device screen throughout the playing process.

2. Having a plan to ensure service quality and protect the rights of players.

3. Having technical and operational measures to manage game forum content (if any), in accordance with Circular No. 09/2014/TT-BTTTT dated August 19, 2014 of the Ministry of Information and Communications detailing the management, provision, and use of information on websites and social networks.

4. Having backup plans for equipment and connections, and data backup plans to ensure system safety in case of incidents.

5. Having plans to ensure information security and privacy protection for players' personal information.

Article 14. Documents for Application for Issuance of Permit to Provide G1 Electronic Game Services

The application documents for issuance of a permit to provide electronic game services include the following:

1. An application form according to Model No. 1.

2. A certified copy of the business registration certificate or investment certificate, including the provision of electronic game services over the internet.

3. A resume of personnel responsible for managing the provision of electronic game services, confirmed by the competent authority.

4. A document confirming the use of a legitimate domain name.

5. A proposal for providing electronic game services including the following main contents:

a) Service provision plan, financial capacity, organizational structure, and personnel implementing service provision to meet the conditions prescribed in Articles 12 and 13 of this Circular;

b) Overall diagram of the system of equipment providing services, location of the system of equipment providing services;

c) Detailed description of the system of equipment providing services, both primary and backup parts, including: name, function, expected configuration of each piece of equipment;

d) Detailed information on service provision methods and scope; plan for connecting to the Internet and telecommunications network (company name, domain name, IP address, channel connection capacity, distribution channels);

đ) Detailed description of the payment system and plan for connecting to Vietnamese service providers supporting payments (company name, connection method, rights and responsibilities of each party);

e) Plan for using Internet resources;

g) Plan to ensure service quality and protect the rights of players;

h) Detailed description of the monitoring system equipment (hardware, software) for the operation of the service provision system; plan for data backup and backup plans for equipment and connections; operation, exploitation, provision, and use of service procedures; plan to ensure the confidentiality and security of players' personal information;

i) Detailed description of the equipment system (hardware, software) to ensure information security and confidentiality; regulations for cooperation with competent authorities in ensuring information security.

Article 15. Procedure and Formalities for Issuing a Permit to Provide G1 Online Game Services

1. The enterprise shall submit one original application file requesting issuance of a permit to provide G1 online game services to the Ministry of Information and Communications (through the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) in one of the following forms:

a) Direct submission;

b) By postal service.

2. Within thirty working days from the date of receipt of a valid application file, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration shall review the application file, report to the Minister of Information and Communications for consideration and issue a permit to provide G1 online game services according to Form No. 2. In case of refusal to issue the permit, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall reply in writing, specifying the reasons for refusal.

3. Ten working days before officially providing the service, the enterprise must notify the specific time of officially providing the service to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration), the Department of Information and Communications at the local place where the enterprise has registered its headquarters and the location where the enterprise has the system of equipment for providing the service; notify the enterprises providing server rental services, server placement rental services, telecommunications enterprises, internet service providers, and enterprises providing payment support services in online games. Upon receiving the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

4. The permit to provide G1 online game services shall become invalid when the enterprise is dissolved, declared bankrupt, or if the enterprise does not actually implement the provision of the service on the ground within six months from the date the permit becomes effective.

5. In case the permit to provide G1 online game services becomes invalid, is revoked, or the enterprise changes the contents prescribed in Clause 6, Article 16 of this Circular, the issuance of a new permit shall be carried out according to the procedures stipulated in Articles 14 and 15 of this Circular.

Article 16. Amendment, Supplement, Extension, and Reissue of Permits to Provide G1 Online Game Services

1. The enterprise must complete the formalities to request amendment and supplement of the contents of the permit to provide G1 online game services in the following cases:

a) Change of enterprise name;

b) Change of the legal representative's name of the enterprise;

c) Change of the main office when the enterprise moves to another province or city.

The enterprise may simultaneously carry out the formalities to request amendment and supplement of the permit with the formalities to request amendment and supplement of the decision approving the content and script of the G1 online game that has been issued.

2. The enterprise shall submit one original application file requesting amendment and supplement of the contents of the permit to provide G1 online game services to the Ministry of Information and Communications (through the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) in one of the following forms:

a) Direct submission;

b) By postal service.

3. The application file for requesting amendment and supplement of the contents of the permit to provide G1 online game services includes the following documents:

a) A document requesting amendment and supplement of the contents of the permit to provide G1 online game services, clearly stating the contents and reasons for amendment and supplement;

b) A copy of the permit to provide G1 online game services and the decision approving the content and script of the G1 online game that has been issued;

c) Documents and papers proving the reasons for amendment and supplement.

4. Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of a valid application file, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall consider and issue the amended and supplemented permit. In case of refusal to issue the permit, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall reply in writing, specifying the reasons.

5. Five working days before changing the address of the main office but still within the same province or city, branch office, or rented server address, the enterprise does not need to perform the formalities to amend and supplement the permit to provide G1 online game services but must notify in writing to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) and the Department of Information and Communications at the local place where the enterprise has registered its headquarters. Upon receiving the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

6. During the validity period of the permit to provide G1 online game services, the enterprise must complete the formalities to reissue the permit according to Clause 5, Article 15 of this Circular together with the original permit that has been issued within thirty days from the date of the decision to change one of the following situations:

a) Change of 100% of the founding shareholders of a joint-stock company; change of 100% of the members of a limited liability company with two or more members; change of the owner of a single-member limited liability company; change of the individual business owner;

b) Change of the organizational structure of the enterprise due to division, separation, merger, consolidation, or conversion of the company as prescribed by the law on enterprises.

7. Enterprises that have been granted permits to provide G1 online game services must notify in writing to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) and the Department of Information and Communications at the local place where the enterprise has registered its headquarters within fifteen days from the date of the decision to change if there is a change in the capital contribution leading to a change in the member(s) contributing capital (or shareholder(s)) with a capital contribution of 30% or more of the charter capital. Upon receiving the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

8. Reissue of the permit to provide G1 online game services in case it is lost or damaged and cannot be used.

a) In case the permit to provide G1 online game services is lost or damaged and cannot be used, the enterprise shall submit a request for reissuance of the permit to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) in one of the following ways: direct submission or submission by postal service;

b) The application for reissuing the permit to provide G1 electronic game services includes: Name and address of the enterprise; registration number, place of issuance, date of issuance of the business registration certificate; number, date of issuance, effective date of the previously issued permit; reasons for requesting reissuance of the permit; the enterprise's commitment regarding the contents declared in the application.

c) Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of a valid application, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall consider issuing a new permit to the enterprise. In case of refusal, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a written response stating the specific reasons for refusal.

9. Extension of permits

a) Before the permit expires but the enterprise has not yet completed the procedures for reissuance, if the enterprise still wishes to continue its operations, it must apply for an extension. Each permit may only be extended once, with each extension not exceeding one year.

b) The enterprise submits the application for extending the permit and a copy of the permit to be extended to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information Administration) through one of the following methods: direct submission or submission via postal service.

c) The content of the application for extending the permit includes: name and address of the enterprise; registration number, place of issuance, date of issuance of the business registration certificate; number, date of issuance, effective date of the previously issued permit; reasons for requesting an extension of the permit; the enterprise's commitment regarding the contents declared in the application.

d) Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of a valid application for extending the permit, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall consider and decide on the extension of the permit for the enterprise. In case of refusal, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a written response stating the specific reasons for refusal.

Article 17. Conditions approving the content and script of G electronic games1

An enterprise shall be granted a decision approving the content and script of G1 electronic games when it meets the following conditions:

1. The electronic game has a content and script that do not violate the provisions of Clause 1, Article 3 of this Circular; the self-classification results of the electronic game according to the age of the player by the enterprise are consistent with the content and script of the game as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 4 of this Circular.

2. There are personnel who have graduated from university or higher managing the game content and player forums.

3. There is a technical plan meeting the following requirements:

a) Continuously providing and displaying information about the classification results of the game according to the age of the player; warning information "Playing more than 180 minutes a day will adversely affect health" at easily visible locations on the game forum and on the screen of the device during gameplay.

b) Managing player conversations in accordance with the laws on social network management as stipulated in Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP and Circular No. 09/TT-BTTTT dated August 19, 2014 of the Ministry of Information and Communications detailing the activities of managing, providing, and using information on electronic information websites and social networks.

4. There are measures to manage player account information meeting the following requirements:

a) Directly synchronizing with the personal information management system of the player.

b) Directly synchronizing with the common game service payment system of the enterprise.

c) Fully storing, continuously updating, and accurately recording information about the player's service usage process including: account name, service usage time, relevant information related to virtual item ownership, virtual units, and player rewards points.

5. There is a plan to ensure service quality and system safety in case of incidents.

Article 18. Documents for Requesting Approval Decision on Content and Script of G1 Online Game

The documents for requesting approval of content and script for each game shall include the following materials:

1. Application for approval of content and script according to Form No. 3, accompanied by the enterprise's commitment to fully perform the rights and obligations stipulated in Article 34 of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP.

2. A certified copy of the Online Game G1 Service Provision License still valid for at least 01 (one) year.

3. A brief resume of personnel responsible for managing online game content, confirmed by the competent authority.

4. A certified copy of the copyright certification documents and agreement for the enterprise to distribute online games in Vietnam. In case these documents and agreements are in a foreign language, they must be translated into Vietnamese with certification.

5. Detailed description of the content and script of the online game including the following information:

a) Name, origin, place of manufacture of the online game;

b) Detailed script, content of the game; character system, mission system, map (diagram); virtual item system, virtual unit, service, reward points; interactive activities, combat activities between characters; payment methods, release versions;

c) Method and results of age classification of the online game by the enterprise.

6. Technical plan meeting the requirements specified in Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 17 of this Circular, including the following contents:

a) Detailed diagram of the equipment system providing online games;

b) Specific address where the equipment system providing services is located and the name of the enterprise leasing server placement space (in case of leasing server placement space);

c) Detailed description of the system of equipment providing services, both primary and backup parts, including: name, function, expected configuration of each piece of equipment;

d) Description of measures to continuously display information about the age classification results of the game; warning information "Playing more than 180 minutes a day will adversely affect health" on the game forum and on the device screen during play;

đ) Detailed description of the player account management system meeting the requirements of Article 6 of this Circular.

7. Equipment recording specific images, activities, sounds in the game: images of some character lines, images of some items, equipment for characters; images, activities of characters performing main missions at the five highest levels (if any); distinctive activities (for example: combat actions) between characters.

Article 19. Procedures and Formalities for Issuing Approval Decision on Content and Script of G1 Online Game

1. The enterprise submits one original set of documents requesting issuance of the approval decision on content and script of G1 online game to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) through one of the following forms:

a) Direct submission;

b) By postal service.

2. Within twenty working days from the date of receiving complete documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall organize the examination and issue the approval decision on content and script of G1 online game to the enterprise. In case of refusal, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall provide a written response stating the reasons for refusal.

3. The approval decision on content and script of G1 online game ceases to be effective when the enterprise's Online Game G1 Service Provision License is revoked or expires, or six months after the decision becomes effective if the enterprise does not actually implement the provision of services.

4. Ten working days before the enterprise officially starts providing the game to the public, the enterprise must send a specific notification regarding the official time of game provision to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration), the Provincial Department of Information and Communications where the enterprise has registered its headquarters; notify the enterprises providing server rental services, server placement rental services, telecommunications enterprises, internet service providers, and enterprises providing payment support services in online games. Upon receipt of the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

5. In case the approval decision on content and script of G1 online game is no longer effective or revoked, the issuance of a new decision shall be carried out according to the new issuance procedures stipulated in Articles 18 and 19 of this Circular.

6. An online game classified simultaneously as G1, G2, G3, G4 that has been issued an approval decision on content and script does not need to comply with the notification procedure stipulated in Article 26 of this Circular.

Article 20. Amending, Supplementing, and Reissuing the Approval Decision on Content and Script of G1 Online Game

1. The enterprise must carry out the procedure for requesting amendment and supplementation of the content of the approval decision on content and script of G1 online game already issued in the following cases:

a) Changing the name of the online game;

b) Updating and upgrading a new version with changes and supplements to the content and script compared to the version already approved by the approval decision on content and script.

2. The enterprise submits one original set of documents requesting amendment and supplementation of the content of the approval decision on content and script of G1 online game to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) through one of the following forms:

a) Direct submission;

b) By postal service.

3. The documents for requesting amendment and supplementation of the approval decision on content and script of G1 online game shall include the following contents:

a) A certified copy of the approval decision on content and script of the online game;

b) A document requesting amendment and supplementation of the approval decision on content and script of G1 online game, clearly stating the content and reasons for amendment and supplementation;

c) Detailed description of the content requested for amendment and supplementation and related supporting documents.

4. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving complete documents, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall examine and issue the amendment and supplementation decision to the enterprise. In case of refusal, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall provide a written response stating the reasons for refusal.

5. Within five (5) working days prior to changing the method or scope of providing electronic game G1 services (domain name for games provided over the internet, distribution channels for games provided via mobile telecommunications networks), the enterprise shall not need to go through the procedure to amend or supplement the decision but must notify in writing to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) and the Provincial Department of Information and Communications where the enterprise has registered its headquarters. Upon receipt of the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven (7) working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

6. Reissuing the Decision

a) In cases where the decision approving the content and script of electronic game G1 is lost or damaged and cannot be used, the enterprise shall submit a request for reissuing the decision to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration), clearly stating the number and issuance date of the previously issued decision and the reasons for requesting reissuance.

b) Within fifteen (15) working days from the date of receipt of a valid request, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall examine and reissue the decision. If the request is denied, the Ministry of Information and Communications shall issue a written response, clearly stating the reasons for denial.

Chapter III

REGISTRATION FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC GAME SERVICES

G2, G3, G4 AND NOTIFICATION OF SERVICE PROVISION

ELECTRONIC GAME SERVICES G2, G3, G4

Article 21. Conditions regarding organization and personnel for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4

The conditions regarding organization and personnel stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 33 of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP shall be understood as follows:

1. Having a main office with a clear address and contact phone number.

2. Having personnel responsible for managing the provision of electronic games who have graduated from university or higher.

3. Having a team of personnel suitable for the scale of operations and type of service provision.

Article 22. Technical conditions for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4

The technical conditions stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 33 of Decree No. 72/2013/NĐ-CP shall be understood as follows:

1. The payment management system for electronic games (if any) of the enterprise must be located in Vietnam and connected to Vietnamese service providers supporting payment services, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and allowing players to access detailed information about their payment accounts.

2. Having measures to ensure service quality and player benefits.

Article 23. Documents for applying for registration certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4

The documents for applying for a registration certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 include the following:

1. Application form for a registration certificate for providing electronic game services according to Form No. 5.

2. Certified copy of the business registration certificate and investment certificate including the provision of electronic game services.

3. A resume of personnel responsible for managing the provision of electronic game services, confirmed by the competent authority.

4. Written confirmation of lawful domain name usage (for games provided over the Internet).

5. Service provision plan for electronic games, including the following contents:

a) Service provision plan, organizational structure, and personnel implementation consistent with the scale of operations and ensuring compliance with the conditions specified in Articles 21 and 22 of this Circular;

b) Overall diagram of the equipment system for service provision, location of the equipment system for service provision, and network connection;

c) Detailed information on the main and backup service-providing equipment, including: name, function, configuration;

d) Detailed information on the method and scope of service provision: internet network (IP address, domain name), mobile telecommunications network (expected distribution channel for games);

đ) Payment methods for services, types of payment cards, and cooperating enterprises in payment services (company name, type of payment);

e) Measures to ensure service quality and player benefits.

Article 24. Procedure for Issuing Certificates for Providing Electronic Game Services G2, G3, G4

1. The enterprise shall submit one original application file requesting issuance of a certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration in one of the following forms:

a) Direct submission;

b) By postal service.

2. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving a valid application file, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration shall examine and issue a certificate for providing electronic game services to the enterprise according to Form No. 6. In case of refusal to issue the certificate, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration shall provide a written response stating the reasons for refusal.

3. Ten working days before the enterprise officially starts providing games to the public, the enterprise must send a specific notification regarding the official service provision time to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration, the Department of Information and Communications at the local place where the enterprise has registered its business headquarters, the enterprise providing server rental services, server placement rental services, telecommunications enterprises, internet service providers, and enterprises providing payment support services in electronic games. Upon receipt of the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

4. The certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 ceases to be effective when the enterprise is dissolved, declared bankrupt, or twelve months have passed since the certificate became effective without the enterprise actually implementing the service provision.

5. In cases where the certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 ceases to be effective, is revoked, or the enterprise changes the contents prescribed in Clause 6 of Article 25 of this Circular, the reissuance of the certificate shall be carried out according to the new issuance procedures stipulated in Articles 23 and 24 of this Circular.

Article 25. Amending, Supplementing, and Reissuing Certificates for Providing Electronic Game Services G2, G3, G4

1. The enterprise must carry out the procedure to request amendment and supplementation of the certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 that has been issued in the following cases:

a) Change of enterprise name;

b) Change of the legal representative's name of the enterprise;

c) Change of the main office when the enterprise moves to another province or city.

2. The enterprise shall submit one original application file requesting amendment and supplementation of the content of the certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration in one of the following forms:

a) Direct submission;

b) By postal service.

3. The application file for requesting amendment and supplementation of the content of the certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 includes the following documents:

a) A copy of the certificate already issued;

b) A written request for amendment and supplementation of the certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4, specifying the content to be amended and supplemented and the reasons for such amendment and supplementation;

c) Documents and papers proving the reasons for amendment and supplement.

4. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving a valid application file, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration shall examine and issue an amended and supplemented certificate to the enterprise. In case of refusal, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration shall provide a written response stating the reasons for refusal.

5. Five working days prior to changing the domain name of the electronic information website (on the Internet), distribution channel for games (on mobile telecommunication networks), or the type of game (G2, G3, G4), the enterprise does not need to carry out the procedure for amending and supplementing the certificate for providing electronic game services but must notify in writing to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration and the Department of Information and Communications at the local place where the enterprise has registered its business headquarters. Upon receipt of the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

6. During the validity period of the certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4, the enterprise must carry out the procedure for reissuing the certificate according to Clause 5 of Article 24 of this Circular along with the original certificate already issued within thirty days from the date of the decision to change one of the following situations:

a) Change of 100% of the founding shareholders of a joint-stock company; change of 100% of the members of a limited liability company with two or more members; change of the owner of a single-member limited liability company; change of the individual business owner;

b) Change of the organizational structure of the enterprise due to division, separation, merger, consolidation, or conversion of the company as prescribed by the law on enterprises.

7. Enterprises that have been issued certificates for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 must notify in writing to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration and the Department of Information and Communications at the local place where the enterprise has registered its business headquarters within five working days from the date of the decision to change if there is a change in the share capital leading to a change in shareholders (or shareholders) holding more than 30% of the charter capital. Upon receipt of the notification, the receiving agency shall be responsible for issuing a receipt to the enterprise within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

8. Reissue of certificates for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 in cases where the certificates are lost or damaged and cannot be used.

a) In cases where the certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 is lost or damaged and cannot be used, the enterprise shall submit a request for reissuance of the certificate to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration, specifying the name and address of the enterprise; the number, place of issuance, and date of issuance of the business registration certificate; the number and date of issuance of the certificate already issued; the reasons for requesting reissuance of the certificate; and the enterprise's commitment regarding the contents declared in the request;

b) Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving a valid request, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration shall examine and reissue the certificate to the enterprise. In case of refusal, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration shall provide a written response stating the reasons for refusal.

Article 26. Notification of Providing Electronic Game Services G2, G3, G4

1. At least thirty working days before officially providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4, the enterprise must submit notification files for each electronic game to be provided to the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration through either direct submission or postal service.

2. The notification file for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4 shall include the following documents:

a) Notification of providing electronic game services according to Form No. 7;

b) A copy of the Certificate of Registration for Providing Electronic Game Services;

c) A certified copy of the documents certifying legal copyright and the agreement allowing the enterprise to distribute games in Vietnam. In case these documents or agreements are in a foreign language, the enterprise must provide a certified Vietnamese translation.

3. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving a valid file, the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration will issue a confirmation certificate for the notification of providing electronic game services online according to Form No. 8. If the enterprise has not received feedback from the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration beyond this period, it may provide the game according to the date stated in the notification.

4. The enterprise must notify the Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration of any changes during the provision of electronic game services in the following areas:

a) Name of the game;

b) Classification results of the electronic game based on the age of players;

c) Type of electronic game being provided (G2, G3, G4);

d) Scope and method of service provision: domain name, IP address (on the website), distribution channel for electronic games (on mobile telecommunications network).

Article 27. Issuance of Forms During the Implementation of Management, Provision, and Use of Electronic Game Services

The following forms are hereby issued along with this Circular:

1. Application for Issuing a License to Provide Electronic Game Service G1 Online (Form No. 01). (Form No. 01.

2. License to Provide Electronic Game Service G1 Online (Form No. 02).

3. Application for Approval of Content and Script of Electronic Game G1 Online (Form No. 03).

4. Decision on Approval of Content and Script of Electronic Game G1 Online (Form No. 04).

5. Application for Issuing a Certificate of Registration for Providing Electronic Game Services Online (Form No. 05).

6. Certificate of Registration for Providing Electronic Game Services Online (Form No. 06).

7. Notification of Providing Electronic Game Services Online (Form No. 07).

8. Confirmation Certificate of Notification Regarding the Provision of Electronic Game Services Online (Form No. 08).

9. Report on Activities of Providing Electronic Game Services Online (Form No. 09).

10. Report on Management, Provision, and Use of Electronic Game Services Online at Local Level (Form No. 10).

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 28. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from February 12, 2015.

Article 29. Transitional Provisions

1. Enterprises currently providing electronic game services online must complete procedures to apply for a license to provide electronic game service G1, apply for a registration certificate for providing electronic game services G2, G3, G4, and report on the classification of electronic games based on player age as stipulated in this Circular within 180 days from the date this Circular takes effect.

2. For electronic games that have been approved by the Decision on Approval of Content and Script of Online Games under Joint Circular No. 60/2006/TTLB-BVHTT-BBCVT-BCA dated June 1, 2006 of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, and the Ministry of Public Security on the management of online games (Online Games), if enterprises change the game name, update or upgrade to a new version, or make changes or additions to the content and script of the game, they must follow the procedures for approval of content and script as stipulated in Articles 17, 18, and 19 of this Circular within 180 days from the date this Circular takes effect.

3. During implementation, organizations, enterprises, and individuals encountering difficulties should reflect such issues to the Ministry of Information and Communications (Radio, Television and Electronic Information Administration) for consideration and resolution./.