Vietnam has ordered a nationwide ban on the popular messaging app Telegram, citing its alleged use in illegal activities and the company’s lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, instructs internet service providers to restrict access to the app and report compliance by June 2.
According to a government report released Friday, Telegram is being used to spread what authorities described as “toxic content” and anti-state materials.
Officials claim that nearly 70 percent of the 9,600 Vietnamese Telegram channels are involved in disseminating harmful information, including incitement against the state, data trafficking, drug sales, and links to so-called “terrorist” networks.
The crackdown comes amid Vietnam’s broader efforts to tighten control over digital platforms.
New regulations introduced last year require tech companies like Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and hand over user data upon request.
Critics argue these laws infringe on freedom of expression and are being used to silence dissent in the one-party state.
Telegram, which has more than 11 million users in Vietnam and nearly one billion globally, expressed surprise at the government’s move.
A spokesperson told Reuters that the company had responded to Vietnam’s legal requests on time, with a deadline of May 27, and was still processing them.
Despite the order, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of Friday.
An official from the Ministry of Science and Technology said the decision was triggered by Telegram’s failure to comply with requests for user data in ongoing criminal investigations.
Globally, Telegram has come under scrutiny for its role in spreading unregulated content.
Its founder, Russian-born Pavel Durov, was recently charged in France over failures to prevent extremist activity on the platform and is reportedly under movement restrictions.
Vietnam's ban reflects growing state efforts to control digital spaces and suppress opposition voices.
Source: Al Jazeera
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