Vietnam's Ministry of Technology has instructed telecommunications service providers to block the Telegram messenger. About this reported the Reuters, citing a document in the agency's possession.
The reason for the restrictions is said to be an alleged refusal to cooperate in the fight against crimes allegedly committed by users of the messenger.
"The document, dated May 21 and signed by the deputy head of the telecommunications department of the Ministry of Technology, obliges telecommunications companies to take measures to block Telegram and report them to the ministry by June 2," – reports Reuters.
The agency acted on behalf of the country's cybersecurity department after police reported that 68% of the country's 9600 Telegram channels and groups had broken the law. Among the illegal activities carried out through the app were fraud, drug trafficking and "cases suspected of being related to terrorism."
The agency notes that a technology ministry official confirmed the authenticity of the document. He explained that the move comes after Telegram failed to share user data with the government, which it wanted to obtain as part of a criminal investigation.
Vietnamese police and state news agencies have repeatedly warned people about possible crimes, fraud, and data leaks in Telegram channels and groups.
Reuters notes that Telegram and Vietnam's Ministry of Technology have not yet commented on this situation.
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