Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has issued an order to major telecom companies to block access to the messaging app Telegram, accusing the platform of failing to assist in investigations into serious crimes.
The directive, dated May 21 and signed by the deputy head of the telecom department, mandates service providers to halt Telegram’s operations in the country and report back by June 2. The move follows alarming reports from Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, which claims that a staggering 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups operating in the country are linked to unlawful activities.
These alleged violations include drug trafficking, financial scams, and even possible connections to terrorist networks. Authorities also pointed out that many of these groups were created by “opposition and reactionary elements” who use the platform to distribute anti-government content.
Despite the official notice, Telegram remains accessible in Vietnam as of Friday. The company responded swiftly to the allegations, expressing surprise over the government’s decision.
“We have responded to legal requests from Vietnam on time,” a Telegram representative told Reuters. “Just this morning, we received a formal notice from the Authority of Communications regarding a standard service notification procedure under the new telecom regulations. We’re currently processing that request, and the deadline for our response is May 27.”
The Vietnamese government has taken a firm stance on digital regulation in recent years, requiring foreign tech firms like Facebook, Google, and TikTok to monitor and remove content deemed offensive, false, or harmful to national security. Telegram, which boasts close to one billion users worldwide, is now being accused of failing to comply with these laws.
Vietnam’s technology ministry said that the messaging app refused to share user data when requested, making it harder for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute criminal activity.
Telegram has had its share of controversies globally. From concerns over encryption and security to its founder Pavel Durov’s brief detention in France last year, the app has repeatedly drawn attention from regulators. Its commitment to user privacy often places it at odds with governments demanding more transparency and data-sharing.
The timing of Vietnam’s crackdown on Telegram also comes just days ahead of a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting potential diplomatic sensitivities around digital freedoms and international tech cooperation.
Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party continues to maintain strict control over media and online content. The decision to potentially ban Telegram reflects the government’s broader efforts to tighten grip on digital platforms it perceives as threats to social order.
As of now, Telegram has not been officially banned, but if the block is implemented, it will mark another significant moment in the global tug-of-war between privacy-focused tech companies and state authorities seeking more control over digital spaces.
