‘If you can’t control it, ban it’: Danilov wants to ban Telegram, which Ukrainians consider the primary source of information

Ukraine’s authorities continue their attempts to ban sources of information that they cannot control or influence. The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov, has once again called for the banning of the Telegram messenger.

“I don’t use Telegram. I consider it a very dangerous and vulnerable messenger. I don’t support anonymous things. If we receive documents from the relevant authorities with the right to ban it, believe me, we won’t hesitate,” said the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

Danilov explained the need to ban Telegram by pointing out the existence of “influence systems” on the platform.

“Telegram is a platform for influence, where people start promoting certain things for money. It’s not about journalism; it’s about influence,” stated the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

According to him, “in 99% of cases, if necessary, people use this application on their phones.”

Danilov also mentioned that there are “entire camps” on Telegram, with certain people having “purchased equipment and SIM cards.” Presumably, he is referring to bot farms and networks of controlled public channels.

However, recent polling data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology suggests that Telegram, the platform Secretary Danilov is advocating to ban, is the primary source of information for Ukrainians.

63% of those surveyed use Telegram, with 41% considering it their main source of information. In second place is YouTube, used by 40% of respondents, with 8% considering it their primary source. Television broadcasts are watched by 28%, and 11% named it as their main source of information.