Vietnam: Department of Telecommunications adopted order directing technical measures to block Telegram’s operations in Vietnam over unlicensed provision of Internet-based telecom services (Order No. 2312/CVT-CS)

On 21 May 2025, the Department of Telecommunications adopted an order requiring telecommunications and Internet service providers to implement technical measures to restrict Telegram’s operations in Vietnam. The directive follows a request from the Ministry of Public Security, which reported that a significant portion of Telegram channels in Vietnam were being used for anti-government activities, fraud, and other illegal conduct. Citing Telegram’s failure to comply with Decree 147/2024/ND-CP and the Law on Telecommunications, including obligations to register, provide contact details, and remove illegal content, the order emphasised that unlicensed provision of basic Internet-based telecom services is a prohibited act. Providers are required to report on the implementation of the measures by 2 June 2025.