Vietnam's ban on Telegram in 2025 has catalyzed a serious reassessment of the cryptocurrency industry's dependence on this platform. This article examines the impact of this event on the crypto community and potential risks.
Telegram's Role in the Cryptocurrency Market
Telegram has become the primary communication platform for the crypto community due to strong privacy protection and the ability to manage large groups. Its importance becomes clear in light of critical disruptions, such as a service outage in any country, which can hinder information exchange among market participants.
Vietnam's Ban on Telegram
On May 21, 2025, Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications issued an order to block Telegram, leading to an immediate drop in active users in the crypto community. Many projects were left without functional alternatives, and attempts to use VPNs did not fully resolve the issue. The average view count in ten major crypto communities dropped by over 45% within days of the ban.
Regulatory Risks Surrounding Telegram
Despite the lack of viable alternatives, governments worldwide, including Vietnam, are tightening their scrutiny on Telegram under the banner of 'digital sovereignty.' These actions signal an increase in regulatory pressure. Given the current developments, Telegram is forced to adapt to local requirements, which in turn poses risks to users and projects within the cryptocurrency industry.
The cryptocurrency industry's dependence on Telegram opens up new risks, particularly in light of growing regulatory pressure. The industry faces the challenge of finding alternative platforms to ensure sustainable development.
