Vietnam’s technology ministry has taken a decisive step in addressing concerns surrounding the messaging app Telegram. In a government document dated May 21, the ministry instructed telecommunication service providers to block the app due to its lack of cooperation in combating alleged criminal activities among its users. This directive was signed by the deputy head of the telecom department and mandates that service providers implement the block and report their actions to the ministry by June 2.
The ministry’s actions are backed by findings from the country’s cyber-security department, which revealed that a staggering 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups operating within Vietnam were found to be in violation of the law. These violations include serious offenses such as fraud, drug trafficking, and activities suspected to be linked to terrorism.
Official Confirmation and Ongoing Availability
A representative from the technology ministry confirmed the authenticity of the document to Reuters, emphasizing that the decision was prompted by Telegram’s failure to provide user data during criminal investigations. Despite the government’s directive, as of Friday, Telegram remained accessible within Vietnam.
As Telegram continues to compete with other global messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat, the implications of this governmental action may resonate beyond Vietnam’s borders, raising questions about the balance between user privacy and national security in the digital age.
