The Ukrainian government has imposed restrictions on the use of the popular messaging app Telegram by government officials, military personnel, and security sector employees.
The decision, announced by the National Security and Defense Council, is based on concerns about national security threats posed by the app.
According to the council, intelligence evidence suggests that Russian intelligence services have access to Telegram users’ personal correspondence, including deleted messages, and their personal data. This information can be exploited to compromise national security.
In response, the Ukrainian cybersecurity center has banned the Telegram app on official devices used by government officials, military personnel, and employees of critical infrastructure enterprises. Exceptions will be made only for individuals who require Telegram for their official duties.
The ban on Telegram marks a significant departure from Ukraine’s previous stance on freedom of speech. However, the government has emphasized that the issue of Telegram transcends freedom of speech and is a matter of national security.
