ietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has ordered the country’s telecommunications providers to block access to the messaging platform Telegram.
The government directive, accessed by Reuters, accuses the app of failing to assist in combating widespread criminal activities by its users.
The directive, dated May 21 and signed by the deputy head of the telecom department, instructs telecom companies to take immediate steps to restrict Telegram and to report their implementation measures by June 2. The action follows recommendations from the country’s cybersecurity agency, which was alerted by police reports on illegal use of the app.
Authorities say that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups operating in Vietnam are believed to be involved in criminal activities, including fraud, drug trafficking, and cases “suspected of being related to terrorism.”
The government’s move highlights increasing concern over the role of encrypted platforms in facilitating illicit operations, and adds to a global trend of heightened scrutiny against messaging services accused of enabling unchecked criminal conduct.
Vietnamese officials have not yet clarified whether the block will be permanent or conditional upon Telegram’s future cooperation with local law enforcement. Telegram has not issued an official response to the Vietnamese directive as of Friday morning.
Vietnam, which maintains strict controls over digital communications and online content, has previously acted against other global platforms that it says do not comply with its laws on cybersecurity and public order.
Ismail Omar Guelleh has been re-elected for a sixth term with 97.8% of the vote, according to state media, extending his nearly three-...
Kazakhstan and Armenia are moving to deepen bilateral ties as shifting dynamics in the South Caucasus reopen long-blocked transport routes and crea...
Australia and Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security as global fuel markets come under strain from disruption linked to the...
Israeli and Lebanese envoys are set to meet in Washington on Tuesday in a rare U.S.-driven diplomatic effort to halt escalating violence between...
Myanmar’s newly installed president, Min Aung Hlaing, has said his government faces major challenges and must work to restore the country&rsq...
The European Broadcasting Union and global entertainment company Voxovation have announced that the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia will take place in 2026, with Bangkok selected to host the inaugural edition.
Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines plans to cancel 23 flights per week across several domestic routes from April because of looming jet fuel shortages, Vietnam's aviation authority said.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
Brussels and Hanoi are set to sign a historic diplomatic upgrade. The partnership focuses on de-risking supply chains, tapping critical minerals, and expanding semiconductor capacity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has given an instruction for Israel to begin peace talks with Lebanon that would also include the disarming of Hezbollah.
Amid fragile calm, António Guterres urged constructive U.S.- Iran talks, while Pope Leo XIV warned violence is spreading. Lebanon's President said an Israeli strike killed 13 security personnel in Nabatieh.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Vice President JD Vance have arrived in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing regional tensions, as Pakistan hosts the discussions. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel are set to hold rare negotiations in Washington next Tuesday.
Memorial events were held in Tehran’s main squares on Wednesday (8 April) to mark the 40th day since the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during U.S.-Israeli attacks on 28 February.
Ismail Omar Guelleh has been re-elected for a sixth term with 97.8% of the vote, according to state media, extending his nearly three-decade hold on power in the small but strategically significant East African nation.
Australia and Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security as global fuel markets come under strain from disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Donald Trump’s flagship plan for post-war Gaza has come under scrutiny after reports that its financing is falling short of expectations, claims firmly rejected by the White House-backed Board of Peace.
A charity co-founded by Prince Harry in honour of his late mother, Princess Diana, is suing him for libel at the High Court in London, according to a court record published on Friday (10 April).
The European Union and Washington are nearing an agreement to coordinate the production and security of critical minerals, Bloomberg News reported on Friday (10 April).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment