- Ukraine bans Telegram usage for government agents
- This is a question of security not something related to Telegram itself
Ukraine bans Telegram usage for government agents
On Friday, Ukraine banned government, military, and security officials from using the Telegram app founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov because of "threats" to national security.
"The National Security and Defence Council has decided to restrict the use of Telegram in government agencies, military formations and critical infrastructure facilities," the council said in a statement posted on Facebook, adding that it was related to "national security".
Kyiv warned that Russia may have access to personal data and messages on the app, one of the main means of communication in Ukraine and Russia. However, the report said that employees who use Telegram during their duties would not be affected by the rule, as the app remains the main communication channel between the military and the authorities.
This is a question of security not something related to Telegram itself
Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said Moscow may have access to Telegram messages, including "deleted messages, as well as (users') personal data". He said this was "not a matter of freedom of speech but of national security".
Security officials also said that Moscow uses Telegram for "counter-attacks, spreading phishing and malware, determining the user's geographic location, and adjusting missile strikes".
A senior security official told the AFP news agency that "this applies only to official communications." He said Telegram is a major source of information leaks because it is very easy for Russia to hack. The source added that "citizens can continue to use" the app.
Based on ELTA reports
