Ukrainian authorities ban the use of Telegram app in government bodies

The National Cyber Security Coordination Center has decided to ban the use of Telegram on official devices in government bodies, as the press service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDCU) reported.

"The decision was made to prohibit the installation and use of the Telegram app on official devices of government employees, military personnel, security and defense sector workers, as well as employees of critical infrastructure enterprises. The only exception will be for individuals whose use of the messenger is part of their official duties," the statement said.

The NSDC does not ban government bodies or military formations from running official pages on Telegram, said Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.

The decision was made on September 19 at a meeting attended by representatives from the State Special Communications Service of Ukraine, the National Police, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense, the National Bank, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, intelligence agencies, leaders of regulatory bodies in electronic communications, and members of parliament.

"I have always supported and continue to support freedom of speech, but the issue of the Telegram app is not about freedom of speech. It is about national security," said Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (DIU).

He added that Russian intelligence services have access to users' correspondence on Telegram, including deleted messages, as well as their data.

Representatives from the Security Service of Ukraine and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Telegram is actively used by the enemy for cyberattacks, spreading phishing and malicious software, tracking user geolocation, coordinating missile strikes, and more.

The NSDC's decision is mandatory for consideration by government bodies, local governments, military formations established under Ukrainian law, as well as enterprises, institutions, and organizations.