Ukraine bans Telegram on official devices over national security concerns
Ukraine has prohibited using the Telegram messaging platform on official devices given to government and military personnel, the defense sector, and critical infrastructure people.
Ukraine has banned the use of the Telegram messaging app on government and military-issued devices, as well as those used by defense sector and critical infrastructure employees.
The ban, imposed by the country’s National Security and Defence Council (Rnbo), aims to minimize threats posed by Russia, which has been at war with Ukraine since launching a full-scale invasion in 2022.
The Rnbo cited concerns that Telegram is being used by Russian forces for cyber-attacks, phishing, distributing malicious software, geolocation tracking, and even correcting missile strikes.
Military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov presented credible evidence at a security meeting, claiming that Russian special services could access personal Telegram correspondence, including deleted messages.
Budanov emphasized that while he supports freedom of speech, Telegram’s security risks make this a matter of national security.
However, the ban is limited to official devices, allowing government officials and military personnel to maintain their official Telegram pages on personal smartphones.
Growing Security Concerns Amid Russian Involvement
Telegram, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov and his brother in 2013, is widely used by both Ukrainian and Russian governments and militaries.
Although it offers end-to-end encryption, concerns about its security have intensified due to the Russian military’s reliance on the platform.
Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing government demands to shut down opposition groups on Telegram, has fueled debates about freedom of speech and platform accountability.
The app remains highly popular in Ukraine, with 72% of Ukrainians using Telegram as their top source for news, according to a USAID-Internews survey.
Despite its global user base, which reached 950 million monthly active users as of July, the app is now facing increased scrutiny due to security risks in conflict zones like Ukraine.