Vietnam's Telegram ban: Cybersecurity or censorship?

June 24, 2025

The Vietnamese government has banned the messaging app Telegram, claiming non-compliance with local regulations and citing that 68 percent of its 9,600 channels in Vietnam were linked to illegal activities including anti-government content. With 11. 8 million Vietnamese users affected, the ban took effect on June 2, despite Telegram expressing surprise and stating they had responded to all legal requests from Vietnam on time.

Who is affected

11.8 million Vietnamese Telegram users
Young internet users who have expressed mixed responses
Opposition groups and government critics who used Telegram
People who relied on Telegram for communication and now must find alternatives

What action is being taken

The Vietnamese government is actively enforcing the Telegram ban which took effect on June 2
Local internet providers are blocking access to Telegram under government directive
Human rights groups like Forum Asia are currently criticizing the ban
Many users are scrambling to find alternative messaging platforms

Why it matters

The ban represents Vietnam's increasing control over digital platforms and information flow
It follows a pattern of tightening internet regulations, including cybersecurity laws from 2018 and 2024 decrees
The timing coincides with ongoing political transitions and anti-corruption investigations
According to critics, the ban was implemented without due process, judicial oversight, or independent review
The ban potentially stifles dissent ahead of key political milestones in Vietnam

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices