What's happened
Ukrainian officials are increasingly worried about the country's reliance on Telegram for communication amid the ongoing war. Concerns include disinformation and security risks, prompting moves to limit its use among government and military personnel. Telegram's recent partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation aims to address child sexual abuse material on the platform.
What's behind the headline?
Security Risks
- Telegram's encryption has made it a haven for illicit activities.
- Ukrainian intelligence has identified it as a tool for Russian disinformation and cyberattacks.
Regulatory Changes
- Ukraine is considering new regulations to limit Telegram's influence.
- Officials are moving sensitive communications to more secure platforms like Signal.
Impact of IWF Partnership
- Telegram's recent collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation marks a shift in its content moderation approach.
- This partnership aims to combat child sexual abuse material, addressing long-standing criticisms of the platform.
Future Implications
- The effectiveness of Telegram's new measures will be closely monitored.
- Ongoing scrutiny may lead to further regulatory actions in Ukraine and beyond.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Ukrainian officials are alarmed by the country's reliance on Telegram, stating, "We understand we are dependent. It’s a problem for us." This sentiment is echoed by BBC News, which highlights Telegram's recent decision to partner with the Internet Watch Foundation, described as a "transformational first step" in combating child sexual abuse material. The Independent adds that this partnership is crucial, as Telegram has been criticized for being a "lawless wing of the online world." The contrasting views illustrate the ongoing debate about Telegram's role in both facilitating communication and enabling harmful content.
How we got here
Ukraine's dependence on Telegram has grown during the war, with around 70% of Ukrainians using it for news and updates. However, the app's role in disinformation and security risks has led officials to reconsider its use, especially after the arrest of its founder in France for failing to moderate content.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Telegram's partnership with IWF?
- How is Ukraine addressing security risks associated with Telegram?
- What alternatives are being considered for communication in Ukraine?
More on these topics
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The Internet Watch Foundation is a registered charity based in Cambridgeshire, England. It states that its remit is "to minimise the availability of online sexual abuse content, specifically child sexual abuse images and videos hosted anywhere in the worl
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging, videotelephony and voice over IP service. Telegram client apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux and originated in Russia.