Vietnam decides to ban Telegram.

Media reports indicate that the Vietnamese government has instructed major telecommunications providers to block the messaging application Telegram.

The report states that the action was taken because Telegram did not cooperate with authorities in combating alleged illegal criminal activities, following the demands of the National Cybersecurity Agency.

It is reported that out of 9,600 Telegram channels and groups nationwide in Vietnam, up to 68% are suspected of illegal activities, including fraud, drug trafficking, and even activities potentially related to terrorism. Telegram has been accused of not providing user data as required in criminal investigations.

Authorities have asked telecommunications companies to take measures to block the application and must report the implementation status to the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam by June 2. Nevertheless, as of today (23rd), Telegram is still accessible in Vietnam.