Vietnam Orders Telecoms to Block Telegram Over Legal Violations

Vietnam's technology ministry has ordered telecommunication providers to block the messaging app Telegram due to its failure to comply with local laws and cooperate in combating alleged crimes by its users. Authorities reported that 68% of over 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam are involved in illegal activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, and cases suspected to be linked to terrorism. Telegram's refusal to share user data during criminal investigations and failure to register under Vietnamese telecom regulations prompted this decisive action. The directive, signed by the deputy head of the telecom department, requires telecom companies to implement the block and report back by early June. Despite the order, Telegram remains accessible in Vietnam as enforcement is pending. This crackdown is part of Vietnam's broader effort to control online platforms that facilitate subversive content and criminal operations.