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Vietnam Orders Telegram To Be Blocked Over Cybercrime and Security Concerns

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The Vietnamese government has issued a sweeping order to block access to the Telegram To Be Blocked encrypted messaging app. The decision, announced in late May 2025, marks a major move in the country’s ongoing effort to combat cybercrime and regulate digital platforms.

The move comes after Vietnamese authorities claimed Telegram is being widely used for illegal activities, including online scams, drug trafficking, and the spread of anti-government materials. The Ministry of Information and Communications said the app poses a serious threat to national security and public order.

Why Telegram Is Being Blocked

Telegram, known for its strong encryption and privacy features, has grown in popularity across the world, including in Vietnam. But those same features have made the app a haven for illegal activity, according to Vietnamese officials.

A government document revealed that out of 9,600 Telegram groups and channels active in Vietnam, nearly 68% were linked to criminal operations. These include scams, sales of banned substances, illegal betting, and efforts to distribute materials critical of the government.

Officials stated that Telegram has repeatedly failed to comply with Vietnamese laws that require digital platforms to remove harmful content and share user data during investigations.

“Telegram’s lack of cooperation with authorities, combined with the rampant misuse of the platform, makes it a national security risk,” the Ministry stated in its directive.

Implementation of the Ban

Telecommunication providers across Vietnam have been instructed to block Telegram completely. The deadline for implementing the ban is June 2, 2025. Providers are required to report back to the government confirming that access to Telegram has been restricted.

The block affects both the mobile app and access through web browsers. Users in Vietnam will no longer be able to use the service unless they employ VPNs or other circumvention tools.

This action aligns with a broader campaign by the Vietnamese government to crack down on platforms it considers non-compliant with local regulations.

Telegram’s Response

Telegram, for its part, said it was surprised by the decision. A spokesperson claimed the company had responded to all legal requests from Vietnamese authorities and had not been notified of any outstanding violations.

“We are reviewing the request and remain committed to user safety while respecting the laws of the countries in which we operate,” the company said in a brief statement.

Despite the assurance, Telegram has historically been criticized for its slow or limited response to law enforcement inquiries, particularly in countries with more restrictive regimes.

Rising Tensions Over Digital Sovereignty

Vietnam’s action against Telegram is not happening in isolation. Over the past two years, the country has introduced stricter regulations for digital platforms and messaging services, especially those operating across borders.

The government has voiced concern about “over-the-top” (OTT) apps—such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and local platforms like Zalo—arguing that these services must follow the same rules as traditional telecom providers.

Under new regulatory proposals, OTT apps must:

  • Store user data locally

  • Provide tools for content filtering and moderation

  • Be registered with Vietnamese authorities

  • Cooperate fully with criminal investigations

Vietnam’s cybersecurity law, enacted in 2019, already requires foreign companies to open local offices and store user data inside the country. Critics argue that such rules are designed to facilitate state surveillance and suppress dissent.

Balancing Security and Free Speech

The ban on Telegram raises fresh questions about the balance between online freedom and government control.

Proponents of the government’s decision say the app has become too dangerous to ignore. They cite cases of large-scale online scams run through Telegram groups, and concerns that the platform enables criminals to operate anonymously and with impunity.

Opponents, however, argue the move is just the latest step in Vietnam’s tightening grip on online expression. Human rights groups have long accused the government of using cybersecurity concerns as a cover to silence opposition voices and stifle debate.

Telegram has played a role in organizing protests and circulating uncensored news, especially during politically sensitive moments. Activists warn that banning the app will severely limit secure communication for journalists, whistleblowers, and civil society groups.

What This Means for Users in Vietnam

For ordinary users, the ban means Telegram will no longer function as a communication tool unless accessed through VPNs or proxies—which are themselves in a legal gray area in Vietnam.

Businesses and communities that rely on Telegram for coordination, customer service, or marketing will be forced to migrate to alternative platforms.

The move may also set a precedent. If Vietnam successfully enforces the Telegram ban without major backlash, other platforms could soon face similar restrictions if they fail to comply with the government’s expanding digital rules.

Global Implications

Vietnam is not the first country to have Telegram To Be Blocked. Russia, Iran, India, and China have all taken similar steps in the past, with varying degrees of success. In many cases, Telegram has remained accessible via workarounds, and enforcement has been inconsistent.

However, Vietnam’s firm stance is part of a growing global trend. More governments are demanding greater control over data and content hosted on foreign platforms. In the absence of a global framework, regional digital sovereignty is gaining ground.

Tech companies like Telegram To Be Blocked now face a tough choice: comply with increasingly invasive laws or risk losing access to key markets.

Final Thoughts

The decision to Telegram To Be Blocked in Vietnam is about more than just a messaging app. It reflects a broader struggle over who controls information in the digital age—users or governments.

For Vietnam, the ban is a matter of national security and legal order. For critics, it’s another nail in the coffin of online freedom.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the tension between privacy, free speech, and security isn’t going away anytime soon. And Vietnam’s crackdown on Telegram may just be the beginning of a much larger battle.

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