Vietnam orders telecom operators to block Telegram

The document, dated May 21 and signed by the deputy head of the telecoms department at the Ministry of Science and Technology, ordered telecoms companies to take measures to block Telegram and report on them to the ministry by June 2.

The authority asked telecoms services providers "to deploy solutions and measures to prevent Telegram’s activities in Vietnam".

Telegram app logo is seen in this illustration taken, August 27, 2024. Photo from Reuters

The document said the ministry was acting on behalf of the country’s cyber-security department after police reported that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in the country violated the law, citing fraud and drug trafficking among the illegal activities carried out through the app.

A Technology Ministry official confirmed to Reuters the authenticity of the document, noting the move follows Telegram’s failure to share user data with the government when asked as part of criminal investigations.

Authorities say more than VND1 trillion (US$38 million) in fraud has occurred via Telegram, affecting over 13,000 victims. Additionally, the personal data of 23 million people has reportedly been illegally sold through the app.

Telegram is required to monitor, take down, and prevent illegal content when asked, but the company has repeatedly failed to comply with these obligations.

Under regulations that took effect on Jan.1, internet-based telecom service providers are required to report violations occurring on their platforms. However, officials stated that Telegram ignored multiple notices.

Interpol has labeled Telegram as one of the "least cooperative" messaging platforms with law enforcement worldwide. Several countries, including Spain, India, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, and even Russia—where the app originated—have taken steps to block or restrict access to the platform due to similar concerns, said the department.

Telegram has yet to issue a response regarding Vietnam’s order.