“We received an official notification from the Authority of Telecommunications on the morning of May 23 regarding the standard service notification procedures under the new telecommunications regulations. The deadline for response is May 27, and we are currently working on it,” a Telegram spokesperson told VietNamNet this morning.

The company representative also expressed surprise at reports that Telegram could be blocked in Vietnam. “We always respond to legal requests from Vietnam on time,” the spokesperson said.

However, Telegram declined to comment when asked about the illegal and harmful activities associated with its channels in Vietnam, and whether the platform was taking any action to curb them.

As previously reported by VietNamNet, the Authority of Telecommunications received a notice from the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05) under the Ministry of Public Security, requesting cooperation in blocking Telegram in Vietnam. According to the Ministry, among the 9,600 channels and groups operating on Telegram in the country, 68% contain harmful content.

Many of these groups, some with tens of thousands of members, are created by anti-government and hostile actors to distribute subversive materials. Incidents linked to these channels include fraud, sales of user data and narcotics, and even suspected terrorism-related activities.

Telecom providers must report on Telegram blocking measures by June 2, 2025

A representative from the Authority of Telecommunications stated that telecom providers are required to report their implementation of solutions to block Telegram in Vietnam by June 2, 2025.

The Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention has urged the Authority of Telecommunications to instruct telecom and internet service providers to take technical measures to block Telegram in Vietnam. The Authority has issued official documentation requesting that these companies implement appropriate solutions and report results in writing by the June 2 deadline.

Beyond Vietnam, Telegram has been a controversial platform globally. Statistics show that around 31 countries have launched investigations, imposed restrictions, or blocked the encrypted messaging app.

In August 2024, France arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on charges related to organized crime and drug trafficking.

Du Lam