Fri Sep 20 11:50:24 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Bans Telegram on Government Devices Citing Security Concerns
**KYIV, Ukraine** – In a move aimed at bolstering national security amidst the ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine has prohibited the use of the popular Telegram messaging app on state-issued devices for government officials, military personnel, and critical infrastructure workers.
The ban, announced by Ukraine’s Security and Defense Council on Friday, was prompted by intelligence reports indicating that Russia is actively using Telegram for cyberattacks, phishing, malware distribution, and tracking user locations to facilitate missile strikes.
While Telegram remains a widely used platform in Ukraine for communication, news updates, and official announcements, including by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian officials are concerned about the app’s potential for security breaches.
Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russian intelligence services have access to personal messages, including deleted ones, and user data on the app.
The ban allows for exceptions for individuals using Telegram for official duties, and Ukrainians remain free to use the app on their personal devices. However, the government’s decision underscores the heightened security concerns in a country actively engaged in a conflict with a technologically sophisticated adversary.
First Piper 