Vietnam has ordered internet service providers to block access to the messaging platform Telegram, citing alleged violations of local cybersecurity regulations and concerns over harmful content, state media reported on Saturday.

According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the decision was made by the Ministry of Information and Communications after Telegram failed to comply with requests from Vietnamese authorities regarding the management of online content. Officials accused the platform of facilitating illegal activities, including scams, trading of banned goods, and the spread of misinformation.

The ministry noted that it had asked Telegram to provide information about domestic users and to cooperate with Vietnamese regulators—requests the platform reportedly ignored. Vietnamese law requires digital platforms operating within the country to comply with content moderation rules and to store data locally if requested.

As of Saturday, multiple users across Vietnam began reporting inaccessibility to Telegram via local internet networks. The government has not confirmed whether the restriction is permanent or temporary pending further negotiations.