Ukraine comments on Telegram messaging app fate after its founder arrest
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Western intelligence agencies are interested in accessing information from inside the Telegram messaging app, as Russian special services use it for recruiting for further sabotage in Europe. But Ukraine should not rush to block the messenger in Ukraine, because its intelligence also uses it to obtain the necessary useful data, says Andriy Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, told RBC-Ukraine.
The situation has two components, he believes. The first is the tightening of social media regulation in Europe and the adoption of relevant laws. Pavel Durov, who has always avoided any regulation, especially from Ukraine, has come under pressure because of these changes. According to Kovalenko, Europe is reminding Durov that his actions must comply with the law, as he is a French citizen.
The second component concerns the activities of Russian intelligence. In France, Russian intelligence services use Telegram to recruit people to perform various tasks - from information attacks, such as anti-Ukrainian graffiti, to real sabotage, such as blowing up railroad tracks.
According to Kovalenko, recruitment takes place on Telegram, so it is possible that Western intelligence is interested in accessing information from inside this platform to uncover the Russian agent network run by the Russian General Staff.
The future of Telegram depends on Durov's actions, Kovalenko says. If he makes the right decisions, the messenger can become safer. It is also important to take into account not only the geopolitical aspect but also the legislative one.
Telegram ban in Ukraine
Kovalenko warns against hasty decisions to ban Telegram in Ukraine. He says that Ukraine's intelligence also uses Telegram to obtain useful information.
Before imposing a ban on the messenger, there should be alternative solutions. A ban without offering replacement can do more harm than good. Therefore, according to Kovalenko, loud statements without concrete plans are not a position of state.
Detention of Durov
On the evening of August 24, French security forces detained Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messenger, at Le Bourget airport in the suburbs of Paris.
Investigators are conducting a preliminary investigation and accusing him of terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, selling stolen goods, and sexual crimes against children.
In France, he is also accused of failing to moderate the service and not cooperating with the investigation. Durov could face up to 20 years in prison.
The messenger's team denied the accusations, emphasizing that the company operates within the EU legal framework.
Later, Paris court extended the detention of Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov for another 48 hours.
Read about Durov's arrest in France and what will happen to Telegram in the RBC-Ukraine report.
