Vietnam’s technology ministry has directed telecommunication providers to block the messaging app Telegram for its alleged failure to cooperate in combating crimes committed by users, according to a document dated May 21. The order, signed by the deputy head of the telecom department, mandates providers to implement measures to restrict Telegram’s operations in Vietnam and report compliance by June 2.
The directive follows reports from Vietnam’s cybersecurity department and police, which found that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in the country violated laws, engaging in activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and suspected terrorism-related cases, the document stated. The ministry cited Telegram’s refusal to share user data for criminal investigations as a key reason for the ban, with a technology ministry official noting the app’s non-compliance with requests.
Telegram, a global competitor to apps like WhatsApp and WeChat, expressed surprise at the accusations. A company representative told Reuters, “We have responded to legal requests from Vietnam on time.” The representative added that Telegram received a formal notice from Vietnam’s Authority of Communications on May 27 regarding new telecom regulations and is processing the request.
Despite the order, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of Friday. The ministry accused the platform of failing to monitor or remove illegal content, as required by Vietnamese law. Telegram, with nearly 1 billion users worldwide, has faced similar controversies globally, including the brief detention of its founder, Pavel Durov , in France last year over security and data breach concerns.
Vietnamese police and state media have repeatedly warned of potential crimes, fraud, and data breaches on Telegram, urging users to exercise caution. The move to block the app underscores Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to regulate online platforms amid rising cybersecurity concerns.
The directive follows reports from Vietnam’s cybersecurity department and police, which found that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in the country violated laws, engaging in activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and suspected terrorism-related cases, the document stated. The ministry cited Telegram’s refusal to share user data for criminal investigations as a key reason for the ban, with a technology ministry official noting the app’s non-compliance with requests.
Telegram, a global competitor to apps like WhatsApp and WeChat, expressed surprise at the accusations. A company representative told Reuters, “We have responded to legal requests from Vietnam on time.” The representative added that Telegram received a formal notice from Vietnam’s Authority of Communications on May 27 regarding new telecom regulations and is processing the request.
Despite the order, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of Friday. The ministry accused the platform of failing to monitor or remove illegal content, as required by Vietnamese law. Telegram, with nearly 1 billion users worldwide, has faced similar controversies globally, including the brief detention of its founder, Pavel Durov , in France last year over security and data breach concerns.
Vietnamese police and state media have repeatedly warned of potential crimes, fraud, and data breaches on Telegram, urging users to exercise caution. The move to block the app underscores Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to regulate online platforms amid rising cybersecurity concerns.
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