In a significant move, Vietnam’s technology ministry has mandated telecommunication service providers to block the messaging application Telegram due to its alleged non-cooperation in addressing criminal activities associated with its users. This directive, dated May 21 and confirmed by a ministry official, instructs telecom companies to implement measures to restrict access to Telegram and to report their actions to the ministry by June 2.
Government Concerns Over Criminal Activities
The ministry’s decision stems from a report by police indicating that a staggering 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups operating within Vietnam are in violation of local laws. These violations range from fraud and drug trafficking to activities suspected of being linked to terrorism. The document highlights the government’s growing concern over the platform’s role in facilitating such illegal activities.
As part of its directive, the ministry emphasized the need for telecommunication providers to “deploy solutions and measures to prevent Telegram’s activities in Vietnam.” This action follows Telegram’s reported failure to comply with requests for user data during criminal investigations, raising further alarms within the government.
While Telegram remains accessible in Vietnam as of Friday, the platform has faced increasing scrutiny from Vietnamese authorities. Police and state media have consistently warned citizens about potential crimes, fraud, and data breaches associated with Telegram channels and groups. The government’s stance reflects a broader trend of stringent media censorship and limited tolerance for dissent in the country.
Telegram’s Global Context
Competing with major social media platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat, Telegram boasts nearly one billion users worldwide. However, it has been embroiled in controversies regarding security and data privacy, including incidents in France where its founder, Pavel Durov, was briefly detained last year.
The Vietnamese government has previously urged companies like Facebook, Google’s YouTube, and TikTok to collaborate with authorities in eliminating content deemed “toxic,” which includes offensive, false, and anti-state material. The recent directive against Telegram underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital communication and maintain control over information dissemination within its borders.
As Vietnam prepares to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron for a visit starting Sunday, the implications of this crackdown on Telegram may resonate beyond its borders, highlighting the delicate balance between technology, security, and governance in the digital age.
