Banned app Telegram suddenly returns to Vietnam?
On the afternoon of July 9, many social media users in Vietnam suddenly shared information that they could access and use Telegram normally, after more than a month of this application being blocked.
This information quickly spread on social networking platforms, attracting great attention from the user community. In the past, many people had to use VPN to access this messaging application.
However, access to Telegram is currently inconsistent. According to a survey by reporters, some accounts using wifi networks can access it, while accounts using 4G and 5G mobile networks are still unable to connect. Many other users also said that up to now, they still cannot access the application normally.
As of the afternoon of July 9, there has been no official announcement from authorities or network operators about whether Telegram's block has been lifted or whether the re-access is due to a technical error or system adjustment.
At the end of May 2025, the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Science and Technology sent a document to network operators requesting them to implement technical measures to block Telegram's operations in Vietnam, following a request from the police agency. The deadline for businesses to report on their implementation is June 2, 2025.
According to information from the Ministry of Public Security, 68% of all Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam are malicious. Many groups and groups with tens of thousands of members were created to disseminate anti-state documents.
More worryingly, there have been many scams on Telegram recently with a total amount of more than 1,000 billion VND, with more than 13,000 victims recorded. At the same time, personal data of 23 million Vietnamese people was sold on this platform.
Taking advantage of telecommunications activities to commit acts of sabotage, violating national security and social order is strictly prohibited under Article 9 of the Telecommunications Law. In such cases, telecommunications enterprises are obliged to take measures to prevent services.
According to Decree 147/2024 of the Government 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 waiting for an official announcement from authorities about the status of Telegram access in Vietnam.
