Daryna Antoniuk
Ukraine has banned the Telegram messaging app on official devices used by state and security officials, military personnel and employees of critical infrastructure facilities. The decision came amid concerns that the Russia-founded app poses a threat to Ukraine’s national security.
According to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s defense intelligence, officials assessed that Russian special services could have access to the personal data of Telegram users, as well as their correspondence and deleted messages.
"I have always stood up and continue to stand up for freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not a matter of freedom of speech; it is a matter of national security," Budanov said during a meeting of Ukraine’s security officials on Friday.
The new Telegram restrictions are limited to official devices used by individuals employed in state, defense or other critical sectors. The ban doesn’t apply to those who use the messenger as part of their official duties, according to Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), which did not provide further details.
In a statement on Friday, the NSDC said that Telegram is “actively used by the enemy” to launch cyberattacks, spread phishing messages and malicious software, identify users’ geolocation, and gather information that helps the Russian military target Ukraine’s facilities with drones and missiles.
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