Brian Jeffrey
The recent mandate to prohibit Telegram in Vietnam by June 2 has ignited intense discussions among the youth. Some view the decision as a necessary measure to combat cybercrime, while others express concern about the impact on work and online communication.
Following the Telecommunications Authority’s order to network providers to disable Telegram by the deadline, social networks—particularly those popular with younger audiences—were ablaze with mixed opinions.
A post on ICTnews.vn’s fanpage received considerable support from readers who insisted that banning Telegram was warranted due to its potential threats to national security, personal safety, and societal norms.
One commenter, Nguyen Thuong, pointed out that Telegram had devolved into a hub for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, counterfeit merchandise, and the dissemination of harmful material aimed at children, alongside scams involving public figures.
Others echoed this view, noting the platform’s increasing misuse for fraud, explicit content, gambling, and radical propaganda. Several Gen Z users characterized the ban as a courageous yet crucial move to enhance Vietnam’s online environment.
Telegram’s advantages are particularly significant within tech-savvy circles, startups, and digital enterprises. Many rely on it for managing bots, sharing files, and real-time work coordination. For these users, an abrupt ban could jeopardize critical infrastructure.
Foreseeing challenges, some individuals are already considering alternatives like WhatsApp, X, Zalo, or other secure messaging platforms. However, for those who have intricately woven their operational processes into Telegram, transitioning will not be easy.
This diverse range of reactions highlights Telegram’s complex role in Vietnam: both a vital resource for many young individuals and tech enthusiasts, and a notable sanctuary for cybercriminals.
The impending enforcement of the ban has sparked a nationwide dialogue regarding internet freedom, safety, and digital reliance—and it remains uncertain how both users and regulators will respond moving forward.
