Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has ordered domestic telecommunication providers to block access to the popular messaging app Telegram, citing the platform’s alleged failure to cooperate with authorities in addressing criminal activities by its users. The directive, dated May 21, 2025, and signed by a senior telecom official, requires telecom companies to implement the ban and report their actions to the ministry by June 2. The move follows reports from the Ministry of Public Security that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups operating in Vietnam have been involved in illegal activities, including fraud, drug trafficking, and suspected terrorism.
Authorities allege that Telegram’s features—such as encrypted messaging, large group chats, and the ability to delete chat histories—have made it a haven for cybercriminals. Police reports highlighted scams involving fraudulent recruitment, investment schemes, and property theft, as well as the illegal sale of user data and the facilitation of drug trafficking and terrorist activities. Vietnamese officials also claim that Telegram has not provided user data when requested for criminal investigations, a key factor in the decision to block the app.
Telegram Responds to Ban, Denies Wrongdoing:
Telegram expressed surprise at the Vietnamese government’s decision, stating it had responded to all legal requests from authorities within the required timeframes. A company representative told Reuters, “Telegram is surprised by those statements,” and added that the company had received a standard service notification under new telecom rules, with a deadline to respond by May 27. Telegram maintains that it has complied with Vietnamese law and processed official requests as required.
Despite the directive, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of Friday, May 24, 2025. The platform, which boasts nearly one billion users globally, competes with other major messaging services such as WhatsApp and WeChat. Telegram has previously faced scrutiny in other countries over security and privacy concerns, but the company insists it is committed to user privacy while respecting legal obligations.
Broader Crackdown on Digital Platforms and Freedom of Expression:
The action against Telegram is part of a broader effort by the Vietnamese government to tighten control over digital platforms and online discourse. In recent years, authorities have pressured global tech companies like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to remove content deemed “toxic,” anti-state, or false. New regulations implemented last year require platforms to verify user identities and provide user data to the government, a move that critics say infringes on freedom of expression in the communist-ruled nation.
Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party has a long history of suppressing dissent and quickly responding to critics, especially those who gain traction on social media. The government’s crackdown extends to over-the-top (OTT) telecommunications services, with draft laws proposing stricter licensing and compliance requirements for platforms like Zalo, Viber, and Telegram. The Ministry of Information and Communications has justified these measures as necessary for national security and the prevention of online crime.
International Attention and Ongoing Developments:
The decision to block Telegram comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of digital freedoms in Vietnam. French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Vietnam is expected to draw further international attention to the government’s actions against digital platforms. Meanwhile, Telegram’s continued accessibility in the country suggests that the technical process of blocking the app is still underway, or that service providers are awaiting further instructions.
Vietnamese authorities have reported that more than 13,000 victims have been defrauded of over VND1 trillion (approximately $38 million) through scams conducted on Telegram, and that the personal data of 23 million people has been sold illegally via the platform. These figures underscore the government’s concerns, but also raise questions about the balance between cybersecurity, privacy, and freedom of expression.
As the deadline for telecom providers to report their compliance approaches, the situation remains fluid. Telegram’s future in Vietnam is uncertain, but the case highlights the growing tension between state control and digital privacy in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving online landscape.
