Vietnam Blocks Telegram Over Crime Content Concerns

• Vietnam ordered a block on Telegram over crime-related content.
• Authorities claim 68% of local Telegram groups host harmful info.
• Telegram says it complied with requests; access now needs a VPN.

Vietnam has ordered telecommunications companies to block the messaging app Telegram, citing its failure to cooperate in addressing criminal activities on the platform. According to a directive issued on May 21, 2025, by the Ministry of Science and Technology, telecom providers are required to implement measures to restrict Telegram's operations and report back by June 2. 

Authorities report that approximately 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam are involved in illegal activities, including fraud, drug trafficking, and dissemination of anti-state content. Some groups are also suspected of links to terrorism. 

Telegram expressed surprise at the government's decision, stating that it has responded to legal requests from Vietnam in a timely manner. The company acknowledged receiving a formal notice from the Authority of Communications and is processing the request.

Under a law enacted in December 2024, social media providers in Vietnam are required to store user data locally and share it with authorities upon request. The government alleges that Telegram failed to comply with these regulations.

As of now, Telegram remains accessible in Vietnam. However, if you use the best Telegram VPN, then you can still access it. This development marks Vietnam as the 35th country to impose a ban on Telegram, either temporarily or permanently.

The situation underscores the ongoing tension between digital platform operations and national regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning content moderation and data sharing obligations.