Telegram messenger is a threat to Ukraine’s national security — Budanov
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The increasingly popular Telegram messenger app presents “a problem” for Ukraine’s national security, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) chief Kyrylo Budanov said on March 27.
“Telegram definitely poses a national security problem, we must acknowledge this much,” Budanov said at the Kyiv Stratcom Forum 2024.
“I am emphatically against restricting freedom of speech, but there must be some limits.”
Read also: Ukraine’s spy chief hints at dangers of using Telegram and Viber
He criticized the ease with which individuals can disseminate false information on the platform: "Anyone can start a channel and publish whatever they like, but when actions are taken [against them], they hide behind the supposed freedom of the press; what happens on Telegram is not media freedom."
Read also: Disinformation watchdog alerts to rising tactic as Russia impersonates Ukrainian units on Telegram
At the same time, Budanov recognized the potential Telegram offers to communicate with and influence civilians in Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories, where “everyone” uses the app.
“This is a tool that remains effective, more or less,” the intelligence chief said.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
