"To dispel the fog of uncertainty": Danylov on the risks of Telegram for Ukraine

Dissemination of false information, Russian fake news, propaganda or data by anonymous authors that could harm the country in times of war are the main risks the Telegram bears in the Ukrainian information space. The risk is mainly created by the anonymity of Telegram channels and groups, and, as a result, the lack of any responsibility.

This was stated by Oleksii Danylov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. There is no talk of banning Telegram in our country as for now.

"In order to dispel the 'fog of uncertainty' and speculation, I want to emphasize several important points that, in my opinion, relate to the functioning of these new information platforms in Ukraine," the official wrote.

The main requirement for Telegram platforms is to de-anonymize their activities.

"Those responsible for disseminating information that reaches and influences an audience of millions must be known. We have all seen and know the consequences of the dissemination by 'unnamed authors' of, for example, photographs of air defense work, movement of the Defense Forces, deployment of military units," the NSDC Secretary noted.

Another risk is the use of Telegram by the aggressor country Russia. In this way, Russia is trying to manipulate the public opinion of Ukrainians. For example, the aggressor's channels write about "failure of mobilization", "failure of the counteroffensive", "betrayal of allies", "fatigue of the West", and "the need for concessions and negotiations."

Danilov said that enemy special services were particularly active in infiltrating political Telegram channels into the Ukrainian information space in 2019.

For example, the Ukrainian audience was targeted by a network of popular Telegram groups administered by the 85th Main Center of the Special Service of the Russian General Staff (unit responsible for psychological operations).

In preparation for a large-scale attack on February 24, 2022, Russian special services created an extensive network of "Trojan horses" on Telegram, carefully disguised as Ukrainian channels with loud patriotic names and producing "poisonous information content."

The NSDC Secretary noted that the enemy's weapons can and should be used against it. Ukraine needs to create its own high-quality product, which "has authors and an open editorial policy, not anonymous administrators from Moscow's backyard."

To "fight the threat," Ukrainians need to improve their media literacy and be able to expose manipulations and fakes, Danylov concluded.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!