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The Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology has issued a directive requesting telecom operators in Vietnam to block access to the messaging platform Telegram, following a request from the Ministry of Public Security.
According to data provided by the Ministry of Public Security, around 68 percent of Telegram channels and groups operating in Vietnam are considered harmful or toxic. Many of these groups, some with tens of thousands of members, have been used to disseminate anti-state materials. Authorities also reported widespread fraud via Telegram, with losses exceeding VND 1 trillion (approximately USD 39 million) and over 13,000 victims. Data from more than 23 million Vietnamese citizens has reportedly been put up for sale on the platform.
Using telecommunications services to commit acts against national security or social order is strictly prohibited under Article 9 of Vietnam’s Law on Telecommunications. In such cases, telecom providers are required to take measures to block access to the service.
Under Government Decree 147/2024 on Internet management, Telegram must comply with Vietnamese laws when offering cross-border services to users in the country. The platform is responsible for monitoring, removing, and preventing unlawful content upon request from competent authorities. Failure to cooperate may lead to technical measures being enforced by regulators to block the offending service.
Since January 1, all providers of basic Internet-based telecommunications services are required to notify regulators of their operations. The Authority of Telecommunications said it had issued multiple notices to Telegram, but the company has failed to comply.
Internationally, Telegram has been rated by Interpol as one of the least cooperative platforms with law enforcement. At least eight countries, including Spain, Pakistan, Norway, China, India, Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia, have imposed restrictions or bans due to the platform’s non-cooperation. Russia, where Telegram was founded, also blocked the app in 2018 after it was reportedly used by terrorist groups for communication. Telegram did not cooperate with the Federal Security Service of Russia on related incidents.
