Authorities are promoting domestic platforms and working to take sole control over the country’s internet.

This decision follows disagreements between Moscow and foreign tech companies since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 

Officials are urging users to adopt a state-backed messaging app called MAX, but societal groups warn that MAX could be used to track citizens, though state media have called these claims false.

WhatsApp described this development as “Russia’s efforts to drive users to a state-owned surveillance app.” The company added, “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement. 

“If the corporation (Meta) sticks to an uncompromising position and, I would say, shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance.”

Earlier, Russian authorities removed WhatsApp from Roskomnadzor’s online directory, cutting off official access to the service. The app had roughly 100 million users in Russia before the block, making it one of the country’s most popular messaging platforms.

The block follows other recent restrictions. In December, Russia also restricted FaceTime and Telegram, and restricted Telegram again a few days ago. 

Authorities said these measures were necessary because foreign companies refused to share user information with law enforcement on fraud and terrorism cases. 

Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, has said the platform will continue to protect freedom of speech and user privacy.

Reports say Russia is pushing for digital sovereignty. The government wants to reduce reliance on foreign technology, while civil society groups warn that state-backed apps could threaten user privacy.

The directive, dated May 21, was signed by the deputy head of the ministry’s telecoms department and gives providers until June 2 to implement the block and report back.

Authorities say Telegram has refused to cooperate with law enforcement, particularly by failing to hand over user data tied to criminal investigations. 

According to the document, 68% of the app’s 9,600 Vietnamese channels and groups were reportedly involved in illegal activities, including drug trafficking, fraud schemes, and cases linked to terrorism.

Having reviewed the document, this order came at the request of the country’s cybersecurity department. The government stated: “Many groups with tens of thousands of participants were created by opposition and reactionary subjects spreading anti-government documents.”

Telegram has not responded to the directive, nor has the technology ministry provided additional public comment. As of Friday, the app remained operational in Vietnam.

The case fits into a comprehensive campaign by the Communist Party-led government to tighten control over digital platforms. Vietnam has repeatedly pushed companies like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to remove content it deems “toxic.” 

Telegram, according to the ministry, is being penalised for not enforcing rules requiring platforms to actively monitor and delete illegal content.

Warnings from law enforcement about criminal threats on Telegram are not new. Police and state-controlled media have consistently highlighted fraud and data breaches tied to the app’s encrypted channels. 

What’s changed now is the government’s resolve to act more forcefully, likely due in part to Telegram’s perceived defiance.

Globally, Telegram has been dogged by controversy. In France, its founder Pavel Durov was briefly detained in 2024 amid growing pressure on messaging platforms over encryption and data privacy issues.

This sudden escalation also comes at a diplomatically sensitive time. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Vietnam this week. Some analysts suggest the timing may not be coincidental, given France’s own recent run-ins with Telegram and the EU’s digital regulation move.

Governments are under pressure, internally or geopolitically, they usually turn to digital spaces to reassert control.