Ukraine bans Telegram for military and government employees on work devices
Photo: The military and civil servants being banned from using Telegram on official devices (Getty Images)
Military personnel and civil servants are prohibited from using Telegram on work devices. However, there are exceptions, according to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC).
"The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) has decided to restrict the use of Telegram in government bodies, military formations, and critical infrastructure facilities," the statement reads.
Representatives of the Defense Forces who participated in the meeting noted that Telegram is actively used by the Russian enemy for cyberattacks, phishing, spreading malware, determining users' geolocation, and adjusting missile strikes.
"To minimize these threats, a decision was made to prohibit the installation and use of Telegram on work devices of government employees, military personnel, security, and defense sector workers, as well as employees of critical infrastructure operators," participants added.
The only exceptions will be for individuals whose job responsibilities include using this messenger.
"I have always advocated for freedom of speech, but the issue of Telegram is not about freedom of speech, it is a matter of national security," said the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, during the meeting.
Background
In August, RBC-Ukraine reported that options for blocking Telegram were being considered in Ukraine. However, radical methods of banning the messenger were not mentioned at that time.
A new wave of discussion about a possible Telegram ban began after Pavel Durov, the company's founder, was detained in France.
It is worth noting that in early September, the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Telegram threatens Ukraine's national security.
