Vietnam moves to block Telegram over alleged criminal activity on platform

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.

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