Vietnam orders ban on Telegram messaging app over security concerns

Vietnam has ordered local telecommunications providers to block access to the popular messaging platform Telegram, citing national security concerns and the company’s alleged failure to comply with local laws.

The technology ministry reportedly said Telegram had not cooperated with Vietnamese authorities in addressing criminal activity on the app, including fraud and drug trafficking. Telecoms have been instructed to implement the ban and report back by June 2.

A recent government report alleged that nearly 70% of the 9,600 Telegram channels accessible in Vietnam were linked to illicit activity, including anti-government content and the distribution of so-called “subversive” documents. Authorities also accused Telegram of ignoring requests to remove illegal content and share user data during criminal investigations.

A Telegram spokesperson told Reuters the company was “surprised” by the decision to ban the app, adding it had responded to legal requests from Vietnam in a timely manner. The company did not immediately respond to questions from Recorded Future News. 

A one-party communist state, Vietnam maintains strict controls over online content and has a record of pressuring global tech firms to comply with local regulations. Human rights watchdogs, including Freedom House, have warned of increasing censorship and punitive measures targeting journalists, activists, and users.

This is not the first time Vietnam has clashed with major tech platforms. In 2020, it reportedly threatened to block Facebook unless it restricted more content, and in 2023 it considered banning TikTok over similar allegations. Both platforms remain available.

Telegram’s Russian-born founder, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France earlier this year over accusations the platform had failed to curb cybercrime and financial fraud. 

Following his arrest, Durov said that he aims to make his app “safer and stronger.”

“Telegram’s abrupt increase in user count to 950M caused growing pains that made it easier for criminals to abuse our platform,” Durov wrote. “That’s why I’ve made it my personal goal to ensure we significantly improve in this regard.”