Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukraine has barred government officials, military personnel, and other defense and vital infrastructure workers from installing the popular Telegram messaging software on state-issued devices, citing national security concerns during the war with Russia.
Ukraine’s National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre announced the ban on official devices used by government employees, military personnel, security and defense workers, and critical infrastructure staff. The restriction was issued on Friday by Ukraine’s Security and Defence Council via Facebook.
Ukraine Bans Telegram Messenger App On State-Issued Devices Because Of Russian Security Threat
During a conference on Thursday, the Ukrainian Security Service and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that Russia actively uses Telegram for cyberattacks, phishing, malware distribution, user position tracking, and missile strike calibration.
People who use the app for official purposes will be granted an exemption from the prohibition. Ukrainians are free to use the software on their own devices.
In Ukraine, the app is frequently used for both texting and reading news, including updates on Russian air attacks. It is also the major way Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, communicate with the people and report on military developments. Zelenskyy is likely to continue using Telegram for public communications because it is his official channel.
Ukraine Bans Telegram Messenger App On State-Issued Devices Because Of Russian Security Threat
“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,” said Budanov, according to the statement.
SOURCE | AP
