The Ukrainian government is contemplating measures to limit the use of the messaging app Telegram, according to Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Head of the President’s Office. Speaking at the YES conference, she emphasized the need for action due to the platform’s role in facilitating anonymous communication, which has been exploited by Russian forces.
Vereshchuk stated, “You heard Minister Klymenko and other officials who know firsthand how Russia is attacking us through Telegram channels, as it is the only platform that allows anonymity. In this case, the state must defend itself.” This statement reflects growing concerns over the app’s use in spreading disinformation and recruiting efforts by hostile entities.
The Deputy Head noted that the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, is prepared to pass relevant legislation. “There are several drafts in the legislative pipeline. This should involve a series of steps, including actions from the Verkhovna Rada. We are a rule-of-law state, and there must be a legal basis for this, which the Parliament is ready to support,” she added.
Potential Restrictions on Telegram
Earlier, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko expressed his backing for the idea of restricting Telegram, citing that nearly half of the recruitment efforts targeting Ukrainians occur via the platform. This aligns with the government’s strategy to counteract threats posed by misinformation and recruitment.
Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a member of the Parliament from the Holos party and head of the Committee on Freedom of Speech, indicated that there are technical means available to impose a ban on Telegram. However, he suggested that the most feasible approach might be the de-anonymization of users rather than an outright ban.
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The Ukrainian government is moving towards potential restrictions on the Telegram messaging app, citing its use by Russian forces for recruitment and disinformation. Legislation is being prepared in the Verkhovna Rada to establish a legal framework for these measures.