Ukraine bans Telegram in an effort to counter Russian cyber threats, leaving many wondering about the true implications.
At a Glance
- Ukraine has banned the use of Telegram on official devices for government, military, and critical infrastructure employees.
- The ban addresses serious security threats posed by Russian cyber activities.
- The National Security and Defence Council cited Russian use of Telegram for cyber-attacks, phishing, and missile strike coordination.
- Officials who need Telegram for their duties are exempt from the ban.
Ukraine’s Telegram Ban for Official Devices
The Ukrainian government has mandated that the Telegram app be banned from all devices issued to personnel within the government, military, and defense sectors. This move by the National Security and Defence Council (Rnbo) comes after intelligence revealed that Russian operatives use Telegram for cyber-attacks, phishing, and even coordinating missile strikes. The ban also extends to employees involved in critical infrastructure sectors.
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center enforced this directive to ensure the security of Ukraine’s sensitive communications. The evidence presented by military intelligence leader Kyrylo Budanov pointed out that not even deleted messages were safe from prying Russian special services. The decision highlights the pressing concern for national security over any potential infringement on communication freedom.
National Security Over Communication Freedom
Budanov stressed the critical nature of the ban, declaring, “I have always advocated and continue to advocate for freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not a matter of freedom of speech; it is a matter of national security.”
However, Ukraine understands the particular necessities of certain officials. Therefore, an exemption is provided for those whose official duties require the use of Telegram. This aspect of the program ensures that despite the ban, essential operations that depend on the app can continue without interruption—a delicate balance maintained between security and practical functionality.
Ukraine bans Telegram for military, special services and state bodies' employees
This was announced by the National Defense and Security Council of Ukraine on its Facebook page. It prohibits “installation and use of Telegram on official devices of government representatives,… pic.twitter.com/ctqoaxtjzf
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 20, 2024
Wider Implications and Response
This ban applies strictly to official devices, not personal smartphones, allowing Ukrainian civilians to continue using the app for personal communication, news updates, and alerts on ongoing Russian air strikes. Even President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials will maintain and update their public Telegram pages, signifying the platform’s integral role in public communication.
“Telegram is actively used by the enemy for cyber-attacks, the distribution of phishing and malicious software, user geolocation and missile strike correction,” the Rnbo explained on Friday.
Other key figures, including Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, have pointed out the clear necessity in countering these cyber threats to enhance Ukraine’s national security. Despite the stipulations and interventions, the app still boasts substantial user engagement within the civilian population, with 72% of Ukrainians reportedly using it as their primary news source.
