Kyiv, Ukraine: In a recent report released by Ukraine’s Institute for Cyber Warfare Research, Telegram, the popular messaging app, is accused of being a breeding ground for illicit activities and a tool under the control of Russian special services.
The Ukrainian cybersecurity experts describe Telegram as the “hidden internet space,” highlighting concerns about its use by Russian intelligence and various internet fraudsters.
The institute’s studies suggest that Telegram, often considered a secure platform for communication, has transformed into a legalized “darknet” where information of all kinds can be disseminated beyond the reach of external influence.
Anonymous groups on Telegram reportedly engage in leaking sensitive information about the Ukrainian military, distributing explicit content involving minors, and even facilitating the illegal trade of drugs.
One alarming revelation from the Institute for Cyber Warfare Research is the alleged links between Telegram and Russian intelligence.
According to the experts, the use of Russian software could potentially grant Russian intelligence services easy access to personal data, raising concerns about compromising information at the state level.
Valentin Kucheruk, co-founder of the Cyber Warfare Research Institute, expresses worry over the situation.
He notes that despite a brief ban in Russia, Telegram was quickly reinstated, a move attributed to the platform’s servers being located within Russian territory.
Kucheruk argues that the involvement of Russian oligarchs with ties to the Kremlin in Telegram’s development implies a level of control by Russian special services, posing a significant threat to Ukrainian society.
Telegram’s license conditions claim data encryption, but the lack of information on external audits raises questions about the platform’s security.
Kucheruk emphasizes the danger posed by the distribution of phishing links within Telegram messages, making it difficult for users to identify and block fraudulent content.
He points out instances of malicious software being distributed through the platform, infecting users’ devices and compromising personal information.
A notable concern the cybersecurity expert highlights is Telegram’s geolocation feature, which could potentially track users within a one to five-kilometre radius.
If active, the “find nearby people” function could be exploited to monitor individuals with the app installed on their devices.
When users install Telegram on their mobile phones, they are prompted to grant permission for access to various features, including the contact book, microphone, and photo gallery.
Kucheruk warns that giving such permissions could expose users to potential misuse of their personal information by those with access to Telegram’s databases.
Furthermore, the report draws attention to a disturbing practice where Ukrainians released from Russian captivity claim they were blackmailed with printouts of their Telegram correspondence during interrogations.
This revelation raises questions about how Russian services allegedly accessed and used this information, considering the absence of personal electronic devices during captivity.
In response to these allegations, Telegram’s defenders argue that the platform prioritizes user privacy and security. The encryption of data and the platform’s commitment to protecting user information are often cited as evidence against the claims made by the Ukrainian Institute for Cyber Warfare Research.
Despite the controversies surrounding Telegram, its popularity in Ukraine has soared, with 88% of Ukrainian internet users installing the app post the Russian invasion in February 2022.
This surge in usage, coupled with the platform’s alleged vulnerabilities, presents a complex challenge for Ukrainian authorities in balancing the benefits of accessible communication with the potential risks associated with the platform.
In conclusion, the accusations against Telegram by the Institute for Cyber Warfare Research add a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate surrounding online privacy and security.
As the platform continues to play a significant role in communication, especially in regions affected by geopolitical tensions, the need for a thorough investigation into these allegations becomes paramount to ensure the protection of user data and national security.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members