Vietnam’s government has directed telecommunications companies to block the messaging app Telegram, citing its failure to prevent illegal activities and non-compliance with local regulations.
Reasons for the Ban
A government document dated May 21, 2025, revealed that approximately 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were involved in activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and dissemination of anti-state content. Authorities also accused Telegram of not cooperating with investigations and failing to monitor and remove unlawful content as required by Vietnamese law.
Telegram’s Response
Telegram expressed surprise at the government’s decision, stating that it had responded to legal requests from Vietnam in a timely manner. The company received a formal notice on the morning of May 23 and is processing the request, with a response deadline set for May 27. Bloomberg
Implementation Timeline
Telecommunication service providers have been instructed to implement measures to block Telegram and report their compliance to the Ministry of Science and Technology by June 2, 2025.
Public Reaction
The directive has sparked debate among Vietnamese youth. Some support the ban, citing concerns over cybercrime and national security, while others worry about the impact on communication and digital freedom. Discussions on social media platforms indicate a divide in public opinion regarding the government’s decision.
Feature Image Concept: An illustration depicting the Telegram logo with a red prohibition sign over it, set against a backdrop of the Vietnamese flag, symbolizing the government’s ban on the app.
