Vietnam Bans Telegram

The Vietnamese government has ordered a complete block of access to the encrypted messaging app Telegram, accusing the platform of failing to comply with national laws and refusing to assist in criminal investigations, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters and The Moscow Times.

The directive was issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Technology and dated May 21.

It instructs telecommunications providers across the country to “implement solutions and measures to prevent Telegram’s activities in Vietnam.”

Providers must report on their compliance by June 2.

Widespread Criminal Use

Vietnam’s Department of Cyber Security claims that out of approximately 9,600 Telegram groups and channels active in Vietnam, around 68% are involved in illegal activity — including fraud, narcotics sales, and suspected terrorism.

Authorities say Telegram’s refusal to share user data in the context of criminal investigations prompted the decision to block the service.

The platform is also accused of violating local regulations that require social media services to monitor and remove illegal content, and of hosting large groups disseminating anti-government materials.

“Telegram’s management refused to provide user data when requested as part of criminal investigations,” a department spokesperson said.

Telegram’s Global Scrutiny

Telegram, founded by Russian-born tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov, has faced international criticism for its lax moderation and resistance to cooperating with law enforcement.

Durov is currently under investigation in France over similar concerns related to enabling criminal activity.

Despite its controversies, the platform continues to grow rapidly. In 2024, Telegram became profitable for the first time, reporting $540 million in net income and a surge in annual revenue to $1.4 billion, according to The Financial Times.

With more than 800 million users worldwide, Telegram has long been favored for its strong encryption, anonymity features, and limited content takedown policies — making it both a tool for free expression and a haven for illicit activity, according to critics.

A Pattern of Tech Regulation in Vietnam

Vietnam’s move against Telegram reflects a broader crackdown on foreign digital platforms that fail to adhere to national cybersecurity laws. Companies like Meta (Facebook), Google, and TikTok have all faced pressure from Vietnamese authorities to remove what the government deems “anti-state” content.

Under Vietnamese law, digital platforms operating in the country must localize data, comply with content takedown requests, and assist in investigations involving national security or criminal offenses.

Telegram has not yet issued a public response to the Vietnamese order.

The platform previously withdrew from several markets where similar demands were made, including Brazil and Iran, although in some cases partial access remains possible through workarounds or VPNs.