(Image source from: AP)

Vietnam is set to restrict access to Telegram, alleging that the widely-used messaging platform facilitates the distribution of unlawful content and does not adhere to local regulatory standards, as reported by Bloomberg. Government officials indicated that this decision follows ongoing concerns regarding the platform's utilization for activities considered detrimental to both public order and national security. The Ministry of Public Security claims that numerous Telegram groups in Vietnam have turned into centers for "toxic" content, which encompasses anti-government messages, scams, drug trafficking, and illicit data transactions. Authorities assert that Telegram has not engaged with local requests to oversee or eliminate such content and has failed to register its operations in Vietnam as mandated by local legislation. Telecom and internet service providers have been ordered to commence blocking Telegram, although neither the app nor Vietnam's technology ministry has provided comments on the situation.

This action aligns with a larger initiative by Vietnam's single-party government aimed at tightening its grip on online environments. Although platforms such as Facebook and YouTube remain available, Hanoi has adopted a strict approach to dissent and unauthorized content. In 2023, it was required that foreign social media platforms authenticate user identities and supply them to the government when requested. While detractors view these actions as part of an escalating crackdown on freedom of speech, government representatives argue that these measures are vital for maintaining stability and upholding the law in the digital realm. The fate of Telegram in Vietnam is uncertain as the government indicates its intent to persist in its resistance against platforms that do not conform to its regulatory guidelines.