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In May 2025, Vietnam's telecommunications authorities ordered internet service providers to block the popular messaging app Telegram. This decision has affected nearly 12 million users in Vietnam who rely on this platform for personal and business communications.
Telegram has become an essential communication tool for many individuals and businesses in Vietnam. The platform's strong encryption and privacy features have made it popular worldwide, but these same features have now led to access restrictions in Vietnam.
This article explores the current situation of Telegram's blocking in Vietnam, examines how users are responding to this change, and provides practical methods to access Telegram despite the restrictions. We'll also look at specialized tools like DICloak that can help users manage multiple Telegram accounts securely while navigating these new limitations.
Whether you're a regular Telegram user in Vietnam concerned about losing access to your contacts and groups, or someone interested in internet freedom issues in Southeast Asia, this guide will provide you with clear, factual information about what's happening and what options are available.
On May 21, 2025, Vietnam's Department of Telecommunications, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, issued an official document ordering internet service providers to block Telegram. The document, signed by the deputy head of the telecoms department, requires telecom companies to implement measures to block Telegram and report their actions to the ministry by June 2, 2025.
According to Vietnamese authorities, the main reasons for blocking Telegram include:
1.Content moderation concerns: Officials reported that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in Vietnam allegedly contained problematic content. These concerns include fraud and illegal activities.
2.Data sharing issues: According to reports, Telegram has not provided requested data when asked as part of investigations. A Technology Ministry official confirmed to Reuters that the decision follows what they describe as Telegram's non-compliance with these requests.
3.Financial crimes and data breaches: Authorities say more than 1 trillion Vietnamese dong (approximately US$38 million) in fraud has occurred via Telegram, affecting over 13,000 victims. Additionally, the personal data of 23 million people has reportedly been illegally sold through the app.
4.Non-compliance with new regulations: Under regulations that took effect on January 1, 2025, internet-based telecom service providers are required to report violations occurring on their platforms. Officials stated that Telegram ignored multiple notices requesting compliance.
The blocking action is based on several Vietnamese telecommunications regulations:
1.Telecommunications Law 2023: This law contains provisions about telecommunications services and requirements for platforms operating in Vietnam.
2.Decree 147/2024: This decree on internet management establishes guidelines for platforms providing cross-border services to Vietnamese users.
3.Decree 163/2024: This regulation outlines responsibilities for telecommunications companies regarding service management.
As of late May 2025, Vietnam's telecommunications authorities have ordered internet service providers to block Telegram, with a deadline of June 2, 2025, for implementing the ban and reporting back on their actions. However, the exact date when users will completely lose access remains unclear.
According to reports from Vietnamese users on social media platforms like Reddit, Telegram was still accessible in Vietnam as of May 24, 2025. Users reported testing the app on all three major ISPs in Vietnam (VNPT, Viettel, and FPT) and found they could still access the service normally without using any circumvention tools.
This suggests that while the order has been issued, the technical implementation of the ban is still in progress. The situation may change rapidly as the June 2 deadline approaches, with different ISPs potentially implementing blocks at different times.
Telegram representatives have expressed surprise at Vietnam's decision. In a statement to Reuters, a Telegram spokesperson said:
"We have responded to legal requests from Vietnam on time. The deadline for the response is May 27, and we are processing the request."
The company appears to have been caught off guard by the ban announcement, claiming they were still within the timeframe to respond to Vietnamese authorities' concerns. This disconnect between Telegram's understanding and the government's actions highlights the communication challenges between international platforms and national regulators.
Vietnam is not the first country to take action against Telegram. According to information from Vietnamese authorities, at least eight other countries have implemented restrictions or blocks on Telegram for similar reasons:
1.Spain: Has taken measures against Telegram for content moderation concerns
2.India: Has restricted Telegram in certain contexts
3.Brazil: Has implemented temporary blocks on Telegram
4.Thailand: Has restricted access to certain Telegram channels
5.Indonesia: Has implemented partial restrictions
6.China: Has completely blocked Telegram
7.Pakistan: Has restricted Telegram access
8.Norway: Has implemented some form of restrictions
Even Russia, the home country of Telegram's founder Pavel Durov, temporarily blocked the app in 2018 due to concerns about terrorist use and Telegram's refusal to cooperate with local security agencies.
Interpol has reportedly labeled Telegram as one of the "least cooperative" messaging platforms with law enforcement worldwide, which has contributed to its regulatory challenges in multiple countries.
The announcement of Telegram's impending block has sparked various reactions among Vietnamese users. On social media platforms like Reddit and local forums, users have expressed a mix of frustration, resignation, and determination to find workarounds.
Many users have shared their concerns about losing access to an important communication tool. With approximately 11.8 million Telegram users in Vietnam (according to data extraction company SOAX), the ban affects a significant portion of the country's 79.8 million internet users.
Common reactions from Vietnamese users include:
1.Frustration over lost connections: Many users are concerned about losing contact with friends, family, and business associates who primarily use Telegram.
2.Skepticism about government claims: Some users have questioned the government's statistics about illegal activities on Telegram, suggesting the 68% figure of channels with problematic content might be exaggerated.
3.Immediate turn to circumvention tools: A notable trend is the rapid sharing of information about VPNs and proxy services that can help bypass the block, with many users proactively preparing for the ban.
4.Migration to alternative platforms: Some users have begun moving their communications to other encrypted messaging apps, though many express that Telegram's features are difficult to replace.
The ban has significant implications for businesses and communities that rely on Telegram:
1.Small businesses: Many small businesses in Vietnam use Telegram channels to communicate with customers, share product information, and process orders. These businesses now face disruption to their operations and potential loss of customer connections.
2.Educational groups: Study groups and educational communities that share resources through Telegram are scrambling to find alternative platforms.
3.Expatriate communities: Foreign residents in Vietnam often use Telegram to stay connected with their home countries and local expatriate groups, and now face communication challenges.
4.Media and information sharing: Information-sharing communities that operated through Telegram channels are particularly affected, as the platform offered relative freedom for content sharing.
The ban represents not just a technical inconvenience but a significant disruption to established communication patterns and business operations for many Vietnamese users.
With Vietnam's telecommunications providers ordered to block Telegram, users are exploring various methods to maintain access to the platform. These techniques range from simple to more complex solutions, each with different levels of effectiveness, security, and ease of use.
The most common methods Vietnamese users are turning to include:
1.Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
2.Proxy servers
3.Tor network
4.Specialized antidetect browsers like DICloak
Each method works by routing your internet connection through servers outside Vietnam, making it appear as if you're accessing Telegram from a country where it isn't blocked.
VPNs are the most popular and user-friendly option for accessing blocked content. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server in another country, hiding your real location and allowing you to bypass regional restrictions.
To use a VPN to access Telegram in Vietnam:
1.Choose a reliable VPN service: Look for VPNs with servers in countries where Telegram is accessible, strong encryption, and a no-logs policy. Popular options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
2.Download and install the VPN app: Most VPN providers offer apps for various platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
3.Connect to a server outside Vietnam: After installation, open the VPN app and connect to a server in a country like Singapore, Japan, or the United States.
4.Access Telegram normally: Once connected to the VPN, open Telegram and it should work as if you were in the country where your VPN server is located.
VPNs are relatively easy to use but may slow down your internet connection. Some free VPNs may also have data limitations or security concerns, so it's generally recommended to use a reputable paid service.
Proxy servers work similarly to VPNs but typically without encryption. They act as intermediaries between your device and Telegram's servers. Telegram actually has built-in proxy support, making this a convenient option.
To configure a proxy in Telegram:
1.Find a reliable proxy server: You'll need the proxy's IP address, port, and potentially username/password if it's a private proxy.
2.Open Telegram settings: Tap on the menu icon, then select "Settings."
3.Navigate to proxy settings: Go to "Data and Storage" > "Connection Type" > "Use Proxy."
4.Add a new proxy: Tap "Add Proxy" and enter the proxy details.
5.Select the proxy: Once added, select the proxy from the list to start using it.
Telegram supports several proxy types including SOCKS5, MTProto, and HTTP. MTProto proxies are specifically designed for Telegram and often provide better performance.
The Tor network offers a high level of anonymity by routing your connection through multiple servers around the world. While more secure than other methods, it's also typically slower.
To use Tor to access Telegram:
1.Download the Tor Browser: Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
2.Launch Tor Browser: When you open it, you'll automatically connect to the Tor network.
3.Access Telegram Web: You can use Telegram's web version through the Tor Browser, or configure your system to route the Telegram app through Tor.
Tor is a good option if privacy is your primary concern, but the slower speeds make it less practical for regular use, especially for voice or video calls.
DICloak is a specialized anti-detect browser designed to help users manage multiple online accounts while maintaining privacy and avoiding detection. For Vietnamese users facing Telegram restrictions, DICloak offers several advantages over standard browsers or simple VPN solutions.
The main benefits of DICloak for accessing Telegram include:
1.Enhanced anonymity: DICloak masks your browser fingerprint, making it difficult for websites and services to identify your real location or device.
2.Profile management: You can create separate browser profiles with different settings, proxies, and fingerprints for each Telegram account.
3.Integrated proxy support: DICloak works seamlessly with various proxy types, allowing for more reliable access to blocked services.
4.Reduced risk of account blocking: By properly configuring DICloak, you can minimize the risk of having your Telegram accounts flagged or blocked.
Using DICloak provides several security and privacy advantages:
1.Compartmentalization: By creating separate profiles for different purposes, you keep your Telegram activity isolated from other online activities.
2.Multiple account management: If you need to manage several Telegram accounts (personal, business, etc.), DICloak allows you to switch between them without cross-contamination.
3.Reduced tracking: DICloak's anti-fingerprinting technology helps prevent tracking across websites and services.
For Vietnamese users concerned about maintaining reliable access to Telegram, DICloak offers a more sophisticated solution than basic VPNs, particularly for those who need to manage multiple accounts or require enhanced privacy protection.
When considering methods to access Telegram in Vietnam after the ban, users should be aware of potential technical implications:
1.Service reliability concerns: Using technical means to access blocked services could result in unstable connections or periodic inaccessibility.
2.Unclear technical landscape: While the ban targets service providers rather than individual users, the technical implementation of blocks may evolve over time.
3.Potential technical challenges: In some countries with similar restrictions, authorities have occasionally implemented more sophisticated blocking techniques that make circumvention more difficult.
4.Business considerations: Businesses using Telegram for commercial purposes face additional challenges if they continue using the platform through circumvention methods, as this could potentially affect their service reliability.
It's important to note that technical environments can change rapidly, and blocking technologies may shift over time. What might be easily bypassed initially could face more sophisticated blocks later.
Beyond technical considerations, users should be aware of privacy and security risks:
1.VPN and proxy reliability: Not all circumvention tools provide equal protection. Free VPNs or proxies may log your activities, sell your data, or provide inadequate encryption.
2.Malware risks: In the rush to find workarounds, users might download fake or compromised VPN applications that contain malware.
3.Account security: Accessing Telegram through third-party services could potentially expose your account credentials if proper encryption isn't used.
4.Data exposure: Using public Wi-Fi in combination with circumvention tools adds another layer of risk to your online activities.
5.Metadata leakage: Even with encryption, metadata about your connections might reveal patterns of usage that could identify you.
For Vietnamese Telegram users navigating this changing landscape:
Stay informed: Follow reliable news sources for updates on the ban's implementation and any potential changes in policy.
Consider your needs: Evaluate whether continuing to use Telegram through circumvention methods is necessary for your personal or business needs, or if alternative platforms might suffice.
Prioritize security: If you choose to use circumvention tools, invest in reputable services that prioritize user privacy and security.
Backup important data: Ensure you have backups of important conversations and files stored on Telegram in case access becomes more difficult.
Maintain alternative communication channels: Don't rely exclusively on Telegram; establish presence on multiple platforms to maintain communication continuity.
Follow best practices: If using circumvention tools, adhere to the security best practices outlined in this article to minimize risks.
The blocking of Telegram in Vietnam highlights the ongoing tension between technical regulations and user preferences. As users navigate this changing landscape, balancing practical needs, security considerations, and technical compliance will remain an ongoing challenge.