Vietnamese telecom operators have been ordered to report on the implementation of technical measures to block the operations of Telegram within the country by June 2, 2025, according to a directive from the Ministry of Information and Communications’ Department of Telecommunications.

The move follows recommendations from the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05) under the Ministry of Public Security, citing serious violations linked to the encrypted messaging platform.

Telegram cited as hub for extremist content, fraud, and illegal activities

Nguyen Anh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications, told VietNamNet that telecom companies are now required to enforce technical solutions that limit Telegram’s ability to operate in Vietnam. The directive stems from security concerns and the platform's misuse for unlawful purposes.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups monitored in Vietnam are involved in harmful or illicit activities.

Many of these groups - often with tens of thousands of members - are reportedly run by anti-government elements and are used to spread propaganda, sell drugs, traffic stolen user data, and in some cases, coordinate terrorist plots.

“Telegram's lack of moderation and end-to-end encryption make it a haven for cybercriminals,” said cybersecurity expert Tran Thanh Hoang.

Features that fuel misuse

Telegram allows users to create large groups, exchange encrypted messages, share unlimited-sized files, and delete chat history instantly - for free.

It also enables the creation of bots and automated interactions via open APIs, making it easy for scammers to create networks of fake users, simulate engagement, and lure unsuspecting victims.

"You never know who you're actually chatting with," said Hoang. “The platform allows users to remain anonymous or spoof foreign phone numbers, and once the fraud is complete, everything can be erased in a single click.”

Telegram’s combination of anonymity, automation, and encryption - originally designed to protect user privacy - has instead made it attractive for criminal operations, including scams tied to cryptocurrency and malware distribution.

Vietnam joins global efforts to regulate Telegram

Vietnam is not alone in its scrutiny. Telegram has been banned, restricted, or investigated by at least 31 countries, including Russia, Iran, and India, often over similar concerns involving national security, unmoderated content, and illegal activities such as the distribution of deepfake pornography and extremist propaganda.

The Department of Telecommunications has issued a formal request that all telecom and internet service providers report the methods and results of their efforts to curb Telegram usage by June 2, 2025.

The Ministry also emphasized the urgency of applying IT-based solutions to trace digital interactions and enhance regulatory oversight. Better coordination between law enforcement, telecom authorities, and cybersecurity agencies is seen as crucial in tackling encrypted, cross-border communication tools that pose national security risks.

Thai Khang