Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Kirill Budanov, has raised concerns about the anonymity of Telegram’s channels, labeling it a “huge problem” for Ukraine. According to Budanov, the platform, which has emerged as Ukraine’s most popular messaging app, has essentially assumed the role of media, and he deems it “abnormal” that channel owners can conceal their identities.
Budanov advocates for a legal obligation for Telegram to register channel owners, ensuring that they can be held accountable for their expressions. He rejects a simple blocking of channels as a short-term solution, emphasizing the need for registration to control the flow of information effectively.
While Budanov’s proposal does not intend to stifle media freedom, it seeks to establish accountability and transparency. He underscores that “democratic society” should not tolerate anonymity when it comes to media ownership.
Budanov has previously expressed concerns about Telegram’s role in Ukraine, labeling it a national security threat. He distinguishes between freedom of speech and the ability to create anonymous channels and disseminate arbitrary content on Telegram. Reacting to Budanov’s remarks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has urged Telegram founder Pavel Durov to bolster security measures due to alleged threats from the Islamic State.
Durov maintains his commitment to protecting user privacy, reiterating Telegram’s mission to provide a platform for uncensored expression. However, he has not directly addressed the concerns raised by Budanov.
