US lawmakers warn Google, Facebook about Vietnam cyber law

epa04901364 (FILE) A file picture dated 28 November 2013 shows a man using the social networking site Facebook on his phone at a cafe in Hanoi, Vietnam. More than one billion people logged into the social media network Facebook in one day, marking a new record for the company, said Facebook co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on 27 August 2015. The 31-year-old entrepreneur said the milestone was the 'beginning of connecting the whole world,' according to a message on his Facebook site. EPA/LUONG THAI LINH

US lawmakers urged Alphabet Inc’s Google and Facebook Inc not to comply with a Vietnam cybersecurity law that requires storing domestic users’ data in the country, if doing so allows the government to “improperly” seize the information. 

The law, which goes into effect Jan 1, also requires foreign Internet companies to open local offices and bans the use of social networks to organise anti-state activities, spread false information or create difficulties for authorities.