Has the banned Telegram app unexpectedly returned to Vietnam?
On the afternoon of July 9th, many social media users in Vietnam were surprised to share information that they could access and use Telegram normally again, after more than a month of the application being blocked.
This information quickly spread across social media platforms, attracting significant attention from the user community. Over the past period, many people have had to use VPNs to access this messaging app.
However, access to Telegram is currently inconsistent. According to our reporter's survey, some accounts using Wi-Fi networks can access it, while those using 4G or 5G mobile networks are still unable to connect. Many other users also reported that they are still unable to access the application normally.
As of the afternoon of July 9th, there had been no official announcement from authorities or network providers regarding the lifting of the Telegram block or whether the restoration of access was due to a technical error or system adjustment.
In late May 2025, the Telecommunications Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology sent a document to telecommunications companies requesting them to implement technical measures to block Telegram's activities in Vietnam, as requested by the police. The deadline for businesses to report on implementation was June 2, 2025.
According to information from the Ministry of Public Security, 68% of the total number of Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam are malicious and toxic. Many of these groups, with tens of thousands of members, were created to disseminate materials that undermine the state.
More alarmingly, numerous scams have occurred on Telegram recently, totaling over 1 trillion VND, with more than 13,000 victims recorded. Simultaneously, the personal data of 23 million Vietnamese citizens has been offered for sale on this platform.
Exploiting telecommunications activities to carry out acts of sabotage or infringe upon national security and social order is strictly prohibited under Article 9 of the Telecommunications Law. In such cases, telecommunications companies are obligated to implement measures to block the service.
According to Government Decree 147/2024 on Internet management, Telegram must comply with legal regulations when providing cross-border services to users in Vietnam.
Currently, users and the online community are awaiting an official announcement from the authorities regarding the status of Telegram access in Vietnam.