Ukraine's leading intelligence officer labels Telegram as a 'threat to national security'
The chief of Ukraine’s military intelligence, Kirill Budanov, has referred to the messaging app Telegram as a significant danger to the security of his country. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Kirill Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Military Intelligence, has expressed concerns that Telegram, the encrypted messaging app, poses a significant threat to the national security of Ukraine. He noted that the platform has become the predominant source of information, surpassing other mediums.
Developed by Russian entrepreneurs Pavel and Nikolay Durov in 2013, Telegram allows users to create public channels and discussion groups, which have become popular for disseminating information.
During an interview with Charter Radio, Budanov clarified his stance on the app, stating, "I do not advocate 'simply shutting down' the messaging app." He acknowledged the challenges and feasibility of a potential ban but did not support this course of action. Instead, Budanov's focus is on accountability, “I call for all Telegram channels” to establish a verified presence within Ukraine.
He elaborated on the need for registration, saying, "If you want to, so to speak, disseminate some news, please register, so that everyone understands that this channel is registered by Ivanov Ivan Ivanovich, a Russian citizen, who resides in Moscow." This requirement, he believes, would make administrators more responsible for their content.
Budanov highlighted that some channels circulate inappropriate content, not just concerning the military conflict with Russia. He has previously acknowledged that despite its drawbacks, Telegram remains a strategic asset for Ukrainian secret services to communicate in Russian-controlled zones.
A proposed legislation by Ukrainian lawmakers around the same time aimed to "regulate" Telegram and similar apps, mandating a local registered office for such apps unless they are based in the EU, and requiring disclosure of their ownership and financial sources.
The Telegram founder, Pavel Durov, faced legal troubles when he was detained and then bailed in France on multiple charges related to the platform’s moderate enforcement, which allegedly facilitates criminal activities.
Overall, the stance of the Ukrainian intelligence community reflects a nuanced approach to handling Telegram, balancing between national security concerns and leveraging its reach for strategic communication.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
Developed by Russian entrepreneurs Pavel and Nikolay Durov in 2013, Telegram allows users to create public channels and discussion groups, which have become popular for disseminating information.
During an interview with Charter Radio, Budanov clarified his stance on the app, stating, "I do not advocate 'simply shutting down' the messaging app." He acknowledged the challenges and feasibility of a potential ban but did not support this course of action. Instead, Budanov's focus is on accountability, “I call for all Telegram channels” to establish a verified presence within Ukraine.
He elaborated on the need for registration, saying, "If you want to, so to speak, disseminate some news, please register, so that everyone understands that this channel is registered by Ivanov Ivan Ivanovich, a Russian citizen, who resides in Moscow." This requirement, he believes, would make administrators more responsible for their content.
Budanov highlighted that some channels circulate inappropriate content, not just concerning the military conflict with Russia. He has previously acknowledged that despite its drawbacks, Telegram remains a strategic asset for Ukrainian secret services to communicate in Russian-controlled zones.
A proposed legislation by Ukrainian lawmakers around the same time aimed to "regulate" Telegram and similar apps, mandating a local registered office for such apps unless they are based in the EU, and requiring disclosure of their ownership and financial sources.
The Telegram founder, Pavel Durov, faced legal troubles when he was detained and then bailed in France on multiple charges related to the platform’s moderate enforcement, which allegedly facilitates criminal activities.
Overall, the stance of the Ukrainian intelligence community reflects a nuanced approach to handling Telegram, balancing between national security concerns and leveraging its reach for strategic communication.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
