Ukraine’s National Coordination Centre for Cybersecurity (NCCC) has imposed strict limitations on the use of the Telegram messaging app within government agencies, military units, and critical infrastructure sectors, citing serious national security risks.

The decision was made public following a meeting on September 19, where officials discussed the potential security vulnerabilities linked to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, led the meeting, emphasizing the need to bolster cybersecurity efforts to protect the country. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, highlighted specific risks posed by Russian intelligence agencies, who may have access to Telegram user data and messages, including those that have been deleted.

Budanov stressed that the widespread use of Telegram not only threatens personal privacy but poses a significant risk to national security. “I’ve always supported freedom of speech, but the concerns surrounding Telegram go beyond that—this is a national security issue,” he stated.

Representatives from Ukraine’s Security Service and the General Staff of the Armed Forces also warned that Russia actively utilizes Telegram for cyberattacks, phishing campaigns, malware distribution, and coordinating missile strikes.

As a precaution, the NCCC has banned the app from official devices used by government employees, military personnel, and individuals in the defense and critical infrastructure sectors. Only those whose job specifically requires access to the app are exempt from the ban.

Despite the restrictions on official use, Telegram will likely remain a prominent communication tool for the general public in Ukraine.

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