Vietnam Takes Steps to Block Telegram Over Illegal Content (1)

Vietnam authorities have instructed local telecoms and internet service providers to block the Telegram messaging app in the country for allegedly failing to prevent illegal content and anti-government activities being carried out by its users.

The majority of Telegram groups in Vietnam contain what the regulator called “toxic” information, including groups accused of spreading anti-government content and crimes such as fraud, selling user data and drug trafficking, according to a statement on the government’s website, citing public security ministry data.

Telegram must comply with Vietnamese regulations including monitoring, removing and preventing content violating the law as requested by the authority, ...