Vietnam's president calls for tougher internet controls

Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang waits for the arrival of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (unseen) at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam September 3, 2016. REUTERS/Kham

HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam's president called on Sunday for tougher controls on the internet in the face of dissidents who are using it to criticise the ruling Communist Party, and to combat threats to cybersecurity.

Vietnam's government has stepped up a crackdown on activists this year, but despite the arrest and sentencing of several high profile figures, there has been little sign of it silencing criticism on social media.