digital crackdown

AppWizard
May 24, 2025
Vietnam's technology ministry has mandated telecom providers to restrict access to Telegram due to concerns about the app's failure to combat criminal activities and disseminate illegal content. A government document from May 21 instructed telecom companies to limit access, citing that 68 percent of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam were linked to illegal activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and potential terrorism. The ministry criticized Telegram for not cooperating with investigations, particularly regarding user data requests. Despite the directive, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of the latest report. The situation is part of Vietnam's broader digital crackdown, which has included pressure on other platforms to remove content deemed harmful by the government. Telegram has previously faced scrutiny regarding its security and privacy practices.
AppWizard
December 17, 2024
Russia has officially blocked the Viber messaging app due to alleged violations of laws aimed at preventing terrorism, extremism, and drug-related activities, as announced by Roskomnadzor. Viber, owned by Japan's Rakuten Group, opposes Russian disinformation campaigns. This ban is part of a broader trend of digital crackdowns in Russia, affecting platforms that challenge state narratives.
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