Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada recently made the decision to ban the use of the popular communication app Telegram on work devices for lawmakers and parliament officials. This move comes following concerns raised by the National Security and Defense Council about the app’s potential threat to national security.
The ban includes requiring two-factor authentication and additional security measures for those who need to use Telegram for personal communication. This decision was prompted by instances of unauthorized data breaches involving state employees who used the app.
Despite the restriction, lawmakers are still allowed to use Telegram for personal communication on their personal devices. The app’s popularity in Ukraine surged after the 2022 invasion, particularly for its anonymous channels that enable content sharing while maintaining publisher anonymity.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, a Russian businessman, faced legal trouble in France and has been charged with various crimes related to managing an online platform for illicit activities. The ban is seen as a necessary step to safeguard national security interests in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between freedom of speech and protecting the country’s security.
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