Telegram poses a threat to Ukraine’s national security, warns Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov, urging regulation of anonymous channels to protect the country.
Kyrylo Budanov has labeled the popular messaging app Telegram a “national security threat.” His warnings come amid growing concerns about disinformation, anonymity, and potential Kremlin influence within the platform. In a context where information warfare and disinformation play a key role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the popularity and anonymity offered by this platform make it a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. His message seeks to alert both users and the government of the risks that its uncontrolled use entails, especially in a country at war.
Budanov’s main argument is that Telegram has become a vulnerable tool for Russian control. Given the ease with which anonymous channels are created and managed, many of which distribute unverified or biased information, the Ukrainian authorities are unable to properly trace the origin of certain messages . Budanov stresses that several of these channels could be directly influenced by the Kremlin, with the purpose of destabilizing the country .
Telegram it’s aplatform for propaganda and psychological warfare
Budanov’s concern is that Telegram , while essentially a messaging app, has evolved into a platform for propaganda and psychological warfare . Fake news, information manipulation, and disinformation campaigns on social media are already a well-documented tactic in modern conflicts, and Ukraine is no exception. Russia, with its vast disinformation apparatus , has reportedly found in Telegram a perfect ally for its geopolitical goals.
Telegram’s popularity in Ukraine
Despite the warnings, Telegram remains hugely popular in Ukraine . According to statistics, about 44% of Ukrainians use the platform as their main source of news. This figure is particularly alarming for the authorities, given the war-torn context in which the country finds itself. Unlike other social networks or more regulated media outlets, Telegram channels often operate without filters or rigorous controls.
Even Ukrainian officials have turned to Telegram to communicate directly with the population, highlighting the contradiction between the security risks the platform poses and its widespread acceptance. In times of crisis , authorities seek any means that allows them to communicate quickly and directly with citizens. However, this use also opens the door for the state to expose itself to the very risks it aims to mitigate.
The need to regulate Telegram
Budanov is calling for more drastic measures to regulate the platform . According to him, one possible solution would be to identify the administrators of the largest channels, which would help eliminate anonymity and offer greater transparency. In addition, stricter laws could be created to control content coming from foreign sources, especially those linked to Russia.
Telegram’s ability to operate almost autonomously , without the restrictions that other, more centralized social media platforms have, makes it an attractive option for those looking to avoid public or government scrutiny. However, Budanov stresses that this freedom can be dangerous if not properly controlled, and urges authorities to act before the problem becomes worse.
Challenges for the future
Budanov’s warning raises a complex dilemma for Ukraine: How to balance freedom of information with the need to protect against external threats? The war in Ukraine is not only being fought on the battlefield, but also on the information terrain. In this sense, Telegram is both a useful tool and a latent threat. For some, it represents a form of digital resistance, while for others it is a danger to national security that must be urgently addressed.
Telegram is a challenge for security
The conflict between security and freedom of expression is raging in Ukraine, and Telegram is at the center of this debate. While Budanov and other national security experts urge greater regulation, the population continues to use the platform in droves. However, the intelligence chief’s warnings underscore the importance of addressing the tool’s vulnerabilities before its negative impact becomes irreparable.