The parliament will financially pressure Telegram channels that are not under the control of the authorities

The Committee on Freedom of Speech of the Verkhovna Rada is in the process of drafting a request to the tax authorities regarding the commercial activities of Telegram channels, as stated by the committee’s chairman, Yaroslav Yurchishin, in an interview with “Detector Media”.

Yurchishin asserts that tax authorities should investigate the funding sources of anonymous public channels and whether they are paying taxes on advertisements and announcements. He believes that if taxes are being paid, they are likely minimal. He argues that in a country at war, such economic activities should contribute to national defense through taxation. Therefore, he emphasizes the need not only to engage with Pavel Durov to establish mechanisms for countering Russian propaganda but also to address the apparent under-taxation of this lucrative business.

Additionally, Yurchishin urges anonymous Telegram channels to register as media outlets. However, he notes their reluctance to do so, citing concerns over the numerous restrictions associated with registration. He emphasizes that anonymity fosters irresponsibility and non-transparency, emphasizing that freedom of speech should be balanced with accountability. He underscores that while anonymity allows for the freedom to express anything, it also absolves individuals of responsibility for their words. Earlier, the parliament’s freedom of speech committee had proposed a complete ban on Telegram in Ukraine.