The official directive to block Telegram in Vietnam by June 2 has sparked heated debate among young people. While some applaud the move as necessary to curb cybercrime, others worry about disruptions to work and digital communication.

Immediately after the Telecommunications Authority issued a directive for network providers to block Telegram before June 2, social media platforms - especially those frequented by youth - were filled with polarized reactions.

Security concerns drive support for the ban

A post on ICTnews.vn’s fanpage sparked support from readers who argued that banning Telegram was justified due to the platform’s risks to national security, personal safety, and social ethics.

Reader Nguyen Thuong wrote that Telegram had become a haven for illegal activity - including drug trafficking, counterfeit goods trading, and the spread of harmful content targeting children - as well as blackmail schemes involving celebrities.

Others echoed this sentiment, citing Telegram’s growing misuse for scams, explicit content, gambling, prostitution, and extremist propaganda. A number of Gen Z users described the move as a bold but necessary step toward cleaning up Vietnam’s digital environment.

Digital disruption looms for daily users

On the flip side, many expressed regret over the decision, highlighting Telegram’s user-friendly interface, lightning-fast speed, large file support, and long-term cloud storage. Critics of the ban argued that illicit behavior exists on all platforms - and that the solution lies in regulating users and content, not banning an entire application.

Telegram’s utility is especially pronounced in tech-savvy communities, startups, and digital businesses. Many use it to manage bots, share files, and coordinate work in real-time. For these users, a sudden ban means potentially losing key infrastructure.

Anticipating the worst, some users are already exploring alternatives like WhatsApp, X, Zalo, or other encrypted messaging apps. But for groups that have deeply integrated their workflows into Telegram, migrating is not straightforward.

This wide spectrum of responses underscores Telegram’s dual identity in Vietnam: an essential tool for many in the younger generation and the tech community - but also a digital haven for cybercriminals.

The ban’s looming enforcement has triggered a national conversation on internet freedom, safety, and digital dependency - and it remains to be seen how users and regulators will adapt in the days ahead.

Ha Thuong