Ukraine Prohibits Usage of Telegram for Government and Military Personnel
Telegram usage has been limited by Ukraine for government officials, military personnel, and other defense and critical infrastructure workers, alluding to concerns regarding national security.
The announcement of the restriction was made by the National Coordination Centre for Cybersecurity (NCCC) through a Facebook post.
“While I have consistently supported and continue to support freedom of expression, dealing with Telegram is not merely about freedom of expression, it is a matter of national security,” asserted Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency, as stated.
Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) conveyed that Telegram is being “actively utilized by adversaries” to execute cyber assaults, distribute phishing communications and malicious software, monitor users’ locations, and collect intelligence aiding the Russian military in targeting Ukraine’s facilities with drones and missiles, according to a declaration.
To enforce this, the utilization of Telegram has been outlawed on official gadgets of state authorities, military personnel, security and defense sector workers, and companies functioning as operators of critical infrastructure.
It is important to note that the restriction does not cover personal smartphones or individuals using the application as part of their official responsibilities.
In a statement reported by Reuters, Telegram asserted that it has not disclosed any personal information to any nation, including Russia, and that erased messages are permanently removed with no possibility of retrieval.
This occurrence follows the detention of Telegram’s CEO in France and subsequent release on bail in relation to an inquiry into the utilization of the popular messaging application for distributing child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent activities, as disclosed by reports.
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