Telegram has expressed its astonishment at Vietnam’s recent decision to restrict access to its messaging platform. This move comes after the country’s technology ministry mandated telecom providers to limit access due to concerns over the app’s alleged failure to combat criminal activities and the dissemination of illegal content by its users.
Government Directive and Allegations
A government document dated May 21 instructed telecom companies to take action against Telegram, with a report due by June 2. This directive followed alarming findings from law enforcement, indicating that 68 percent of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups operating in Vietnam were linked to illegal activities, including fraud, drug trafficking, and potential terrorism.
The ministry, representing the country’s cybersecurity department, emphasized that the decision was imperative due to Telegram’s perceived lack of cooperation, particularly its unwillingness to provide user data during criminal investigations.
A spokesperson for Telegram communicated with Reuters, noting that the company had received a standard service notification in accordance with new telecom regulations and was in the process of addressing the request ahead of the May 27 deadline. “Telegram is surprised by those statements,” the spokesperson remarked, adding, “We have responded to legal requests from Vietnam on time.”
Current Status and Global Context
As of Friday, Telegram remained accessible within Vietnam, despite the government’s order. With nearly 1 billion users worldwide, Telegram competes with popular platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat and has faced scrutiny regarding its security and privacy practices in the past.
In a broader context, French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Vietnam may draw additional international attention to the government’s ongoing digital crackdown. This situation is not without precedent; last year, Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, was briefly detained in France. Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party is known for its stringent media control, having previously pressured global tech giants like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to remove content deemed “toxic,” including anti-state narratives and misinformation.
Authorities have also accused Telegram of facilitating anti-government groups in spreading dissent through large channels that boast tens of thousands of members.
