Vietnam Cracks Down on Crime: Telecom Providers Ordered to Block Telegram Messaging App

In a significant move, Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has mandated telecom companies to block the messaging app Telegram due to its non-compliance with local investigations into criminal activities. This decision highlights the increasing scrutiny that digital communication platforms face regarding their cooperation with government regulations.

A document dated May 21, signed by the deputy head of the ministry’s telecom department, outlined the directive, ordering service providers to take necessary actions against Telegram and to report back by June 2. The ministry emphasized the need for telecom companies to implement solutions that would prevent Telegram’s operations within Vietnam.

This decision comes on the heels of alarming reports from law enforcement agencies indicating that a staggering 68% of the 9,600 Telegram groups and channels in Vietnam were involved in illegal activities. These activities range from fraud to drug trafficking and even suspected cases related to terrorism. Importantly, the directive was made in coordination with the country’s cyber-security department, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

• The ministry has requested telecommunication companies to take immediate action against Telegram.
• A significant portion of Telegram groups in Vietnam are reported to be engaged in illegal activities.
• The directive was coordinated with the cyber-security department to enhance enforcement.

A ministry official confirmed the authenticity of this directive to Reuters, noting that it was largely prompted by Telegram’s refusal to share user data requested during criminal investigations. The lack of cooperation from Telegram has raised concerns within governmental circles, leading to this unprecedented step.

Despite the order, as of Friday, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam, which raises questions about the enforcement of this directive. The Vietnamese police and state media have consistently issued warnings regarding criminal activities, scams, and data breaches associated with the platform. These warnings stress the potential dangers posed by the unregulated use of messaging apps like Telegram.

Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party is known for implementing strict media controls and suppressing dissent. In the past, authorities have sought cooperation from various platforms like Facebook, Google’s YouTube, and TikTok to eliminate content that is considered “toxic,” which includes anti-state or false information. This ongoing battle for control over information dissemination is a critical aspect of Vietnam’s governance.

According to the ministry’s document, Telegram has failed to fulfill its legal obligations that require social media platforms to actively monitor, block, or remove unlawful content. The police reports referenced in the document highlight that “many groups with tens of thousands of participants were created by opposition and reactionary subjects spreading anti-government documents.” This situation underscores the tension between the government and digital platforms in maintaining control over information flow.

Telegram, which boasts nearly a billion users worldwide, has encountered scrutiny in various countries over security and data privacy issues. Notably, in France, its founder Pavel Durov faced a brief detention last year, illustrating the international challenges that Telegram and similar platforms encounter regarding their compliance with governmental regulations.

The timing of this directive is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to Vietnam, slated to begin on Sunday. This visit may further influence discussions on digital communication and governance between the two nations.

In conclusion, the Vietnamese government’s decision to block Telegram reflects its ongoing efforts to tighten control over digital communication and curb illegal activities linked to messaging apps. As the landscape of digital communication continues to evolve, the balance between user privacy, security, and government oversight remains a contentious issue worldwide.