The possibility of blocking and imposing fines: Ukraine discusses the possibility of regulating Telegram

Pressure on freedom of speech continues in Ukraine. Ukraine is discussing the regulation of Telegram with Europe. It is proposed to include the messenger in the list of digital platforms subject to regulation, which would allow it to be blocked and fined.

This was announced by the Chairman of the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council, Olga Gerasimyuk.

According to her, in cases of blocking or violations of the law, Telegram can be fined, similar to other companies on this list.

Gerasimyuk also suggests prohibiting Ukrainian officials and government organizations from having pages on Telegram.

“I think gradually we should switch official communication to other messengers,” she added.

Recall that recently Telegram disabled Ukrainian chatbots that were collecting data on the location of Russian troops. Later, a Telegram representative stated that Ukrainian military chatbots were “disabled due to a false trigger.”

It was previously reported that Apple demanded Telegram to remove certain channels for users in Ukraine. In turn, the owner of the messenger, Pavel Durov, stated that Telegram bans accounts and bots that collect coordinates for strikes or publish personal data of people with calls for violence.

Also, in Ukraine, authorities have been discussing restrictions on the operation of Telegram lately. In particular, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, Andriy Kovalenko, announced that Ukraine is preparing a bill on the regulation of disinformation and propaganda in media and social networks, including Telegram, TikTok, and YouTube.