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Vietnam Orders Messaging App Telegram to Be Blocked, Government Document Shows

Vietnam's government ordered telecommunications companies to block Telegram on May 21, 2025, due to concerns over illegal and anti-state activities conducted via the app.
The ban followed Telegram's failure to comply with Vietnamese laws requiring cooperation on user data and removal of unlawful content amid a tightening of online information controls.
Authorities identified 9,600 Telegram channels in Vietnam, with 68 percent spreading toxic, anti-government material and engaging in activities including fraud, drug trafficking, and terrorism links.
Telegram stated it was surprised by the notice and claimed it has responded to legal requests on time while processing the government's latest demand, with a response deadline of May 27.
If the situation remains unchanged, Telegram is set to be the initial encrypted messaging platform to face an official ban in Vietnam, underscoring the government’s continued stringent regulation and censorship of digital communication services.

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jurist.org

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Bangkok Post

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Vietnam orders messaging app Telegram to be blocked

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Vietnam orders Telegram to be blocked

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Vietnam moves to block Telegram, app ‘surprised’ by ban

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