The popular Vietnamese free streaming site DoraWatch has announced its closure. This decision comes as the Vietnamese government has intensified its nationwide crackdown on intellectual property infringement starting in May, casting a shadow over illegal content distribution within online communities. Despite this, illegal movie sites continue to reappear under different domains, testing the response capabilities of authorities and the industry.
According to various Vietnamese media outlets, MonFanSep, the operator of DoraWatch, announced on May 6 via its fan page that the site would "gradually disappear today or tomorrow." The company cited the increasingly stringent copyright regulations as the backdrop for this decision, stating that it would transition the website into a space for user posts and communication.
This move aligns precisely with a directive signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung on May 5, which mandates a nationwide crackdown on intellectual property infringement from May 7 to May 30. The directive emphasizes strict action against websites that illegally distribute movies, TV programs, and digital content. Earlier, the National Assembly passed a resolution at the end of April that defined copyright protection in the online environment and digital cultural sovereignty as a pillar of cultural security, outlining measures to enhance scanning, monitoring, and processing of infringing content.
The Vietnamese government's regulatory approach has also led to increased administrative penalties. In March, the Ministry of Public Security proposed a draft administrative penalty for the cybersecurity and personal data protection sectors, which includes fines ranging from 10 million to 20 million dong (approximately $420 to $840) for illegally digitizing and sharing electronic publications for profit. Following this, many unauthorized e-book sharing groups announced immediate operational shutdowns.
However, industry insiders continue to express concerns about the persistent resilience of illegal sites. A representative from a Vietnamese online TV and entertainment platform reported that they currently employ about 10 staff members dedicated to copyright protection. He stated, "We have dismantled large networks before, but illegal sharing websites keep sprouting up like mushrooms after rain. This is the most urgent issue."
Notably, films released in theaters or exclusive content that airs simultaneously are often illegally uploaded within hours of their broadcast. The representative added, "TVB dramas, Korean dramas, European and American films, and exclusive simultaneous broadcasts right after theatrical releases incur enormous costs for copyright acquisition. Yet illegal sites often download and stream these before legitimate broadcasters."
For non-exclusive films, there are calls for better cooperation among domestic platforms and more decisive support from regulatory agencies. The representative noted, "Even if we manage to take down a film, it might be after its screening has already ended."
Bui Hoai Son, former chairman of the National Assembly's Culture and Social Committee, warned against viewing digital copyright infringement merely as a 'free viewing' issue. He remarked, "The Prime Minister's directive to dismantle high-traffic illegal sites accurately identifies the core of digital copyright infringement. Without protecting intellectual property, the cultural industry cannot thrive, and in an environment where creators do not receive proper compensation, creativity cannot be encouraged."
Authorities also view the current situation as a 'race against time.' Nguyen Thanh Cuong, director of the Department of Cinema, stated, "Even if we block one website for a day, it immediately reappears with a new domain and server or continues operating using overseas servers." He explained that some systems maintain multiple domains like Motchi**, Roph**, and Ghien Ph** to prepare for shutdown measures in advance.
In response, inter-agency cooperation has strengthened, with specialized regulatory bodies and cybersecurity and investigative agencies now conducting joint inspections and actions. Cuong stated, "The Department of Cinema will collaborate with the copyright office and relevant agencies to jointly identify violating websites and problematic content, assess the impact on the film market, and actively support the processing of copyright holders and distribution activities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.