Vietnam orders Telegram to be blocked

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Vietnam has ordered messaging app Telegram to be blocked by the telecom and internet service providers, reported local media on Saturday citing the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority.

The reason for the decision was cited as not complying with the country's regulations, and harmful content distribution, according to the Vietnam Plus.

The regulations claimed to have been not followed were the obligation to notify authorities before offering services, effective since January 1, and the app's obligation to monitor and remove illegal content, services and applications as required by relevant authorities.

Out of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups existing in the country as much as 68% of them contain harmful content, according to High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control.

Vietnam's police agency alleged that many of the app's groups were created by those who oppose the government to share subversive documents. Scams, illegal sales of user data and drugs and suspected terrorism cases are also reported to have occurred via the app.