KYIV, Ukraine — In a move aimed at bolstering national security during its ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine has banned the use of the popular messaging app Telegram on state-issued devices for government officials, military personnel, and critical infrastructure workers.
The decision was announced Friday, September 20, 2024, by Ukraine’s Security and Defense Council in a statement posted on Facebook.
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center issued the ban, citing concerns that Telegram is being exploited by Russian intelligence services for cyberattacks, phishing, malware distribution, and even for locating users to calibrate missile strikes.
The ban, however, does not extend to personal devices, allowing Ukrainians to continue using the app for private communication.
“Telegram is actively used by Russia for cyberattacks,” Ukraine’s Security Service and General Staff of the Armed Forces said during a meeting on Thursday.
The officials emphasised the growing security risks posed by the app, particularly to sensitive government operations.
An exception to the ban will be granted to those who use Telegram as part of their official duties.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for instance, is expected to continue using the app to communicate with the public and provide updates on the war, as he often does in his official capacity.
Telegram is widely used in Ukraine, not just for messaging but also as a source of news, including updates on Russian airstrikes.
The app serves as a critical tool for Ukrainian officials to engage with the public, but authorities say it has become a national security concern due to its vulnerabilities.
Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, warned that Russian intelligence services can access personal messages, including deleted ones, and gather personal data from app users.
“The issue of Telegram is not a matter of freedom of speech; it is a matter of national security,” Budanov stated.
The ban underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to tighten its cyber defenses as the war with Russia continues to evolve on both physical and digital fronts.
