Authorities in Vietnam have restricted access to Telegram, the popular messaging app, following concerns over unregulated communication and rising digital dissent. Over the past 24 hours, multiple Vietnamese users have reported an inability to connect to Telegram without using a VPN or proxy.
What’s Behind the Telegram Ban?
While the Vietnamese government hasn’t issued an official statement, tech watchdogs and free speech advocates suggest that the move is part of a broader effort to control online communication. Telegram has been widely used by independent journalists, student protest groups, and communities discussing political reform conversations that often bypass government monitoring.
This action follows recent digital clampdowns in the region, including tighter surveillance on Facebook groups and local media influencers. Many suspect that Telegram’s end-to-end encryption and lack of content moderation have made it a target.
Access Disrupted Across Major ISPs
Local reports confirm that access to Telegram is being throttled or entirely blocked by several major ISPs in Vietnam, including VNPT and Viettel. Users on 4G networks have experienced app loading failures and connection timeouts since yesterday.
The disruption affects:
- Telegram’s mobile and desktop apps
- Web-based Telegram services
- Telegram API integrations (for bots, services, and business apps)
As of now, the only consistent workaround is through VPNs that mask traffic and bypass local restrictions.
Internet Freedom in Vietnam Is Shrinking
Vietnam ranks low on the global press freedom index. In recent years, there is increased pressure on foreign tech companies to comply with local data laws, hand over user information, and take down critical content. With Telegram joining the list of restricted platforms, Vietnam’s digital freedom landscape continues to narrow.
For many Vietnamese users, Telegram served as a rare platform for uncensored discussion. The sudden block is raising alarm among human rights organizations and cybersecurity experts.
Users Turn to VPNs to Regain Access
As seen during past blocks of Facebook and Twitter in Southeast Asia, VPN usage in Vietnam is surging in response. VPNs allow users to encrypt their traffic, hide their real IP address, and connect to Telegram servers as if they were browsing from outside Vietnam.
PureVPN has recorded a sharp increase in new sessions from Vietnam, particularly via its Singapore and Japan servers, popular choices for Vietnamese users seeking low latency and access to restricted apps.
How to Access Telegram in Vietnam Using a VPN
If you’re in Vietnam and unable to access Telegram, a VPN is the most effective workaround. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server outside Vietnam, making it appear as if you’re browsing from another country where Telegram is accessible.
- Subscribe to PureVPN.
- Download the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to nearby Singapore or Japan-based server for the fastest speeds.
- Head over to the Telegram app or website app and login or sign up.
- Stay protected from surveillance using PureVPN’s kill switch and encryption.
Using a VPN not only unblocks Telegram but also secures your connection and hides your real IP from network providers and local firewalls.
The Bigger Picture: Censorship and Control
Vietnam’s move adds to a growing list of governments cracking down on encrypted communication tools. From Iran to India, blocking access to Telegram, Signal, and other platforms has become a recurring method for silencing dissent or controlling narratives.
For now, Vietnamese users will continue to rely on VPNs to maintain private conversations and access vital communication channels. However, the longer-term implications for civil liberties and digital autonomy remain deeply concerning.
Tanzeel Ahmed
May 26, 2025
2 months ago
