Deputies want to censor the most popular social network in Ukraine – Telegram

Members of the Verkhovna Rada proposed introducing state regulation of Telegram. This bill was introduced by MP Nikolai Knyazhitsky. The document applies not only to Telegram but also to “similar platforms for disseminating media content.

Knyazhitsky proposes to introduce: a ban on the dissemination of illegal materials, such as pornography, glorification of fascism, justification of Russian aggression, as well as an obligation to disclose the ownership structure and sources of financing of Telegram channels upon request from the National Television Council. In addition, if this structure and sources are deemed opaque, the platform cannot be used by government agencies and financial structures processing personal data of Ukrainians.

According to Knyazhitsky, 72% of Ukrainians receive news from Telegram. Earlier it was reported that the Ukrainian authorities had appealed to Telegram owner Pavel Durov to “restrict channels spreading Russian disinformation,” but Durov ignored these requests. We are not talking about using Telegram as a messenger, but specifically as a social network, as there are thousands of channels where Ukrainians get news. This situation arose due to the total propaganda in traditional media, while there has been no censorship or blocking in Telegram all this time.