Telegram must enter into a dialogue with Ukraine or it will be closed like Vkontakte: Poturaev

Ukraine does not have the resources and opportunities to regulate the Telegram messenger and other social networks. Due to the threats that this application poses to our state and its connection with the Russian Federation, Telegram must be closed, as well as “Vkontakte” and “Odnoklassniki”. About this in interview RBC-Ukraine said the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, MP from “Servant of the People” Mykyta Poturaev.

“There are no resources for regulation. And there will not be. And there is no opportunity and there will not be, because it is not in our jurisdiction. This applies to any social networks. If we do not pay attention to these threats, Ukraine may disappear. Information hygiene cannot to go”, – said the official.

According to Poturaev, the only way out, given the lack of resources and opportunities to regulate Telegram, is to shut it down, as was done with the Russian social networks “Vkontakte” and “Odnoklassniki”. He also noted that Ukraine has the appropriate technical capabilities to stop the work of Telegram on its territory.

Use of Telegram by authorities

Regarding the use of the Telegram messenger by the authorities, Poturaev emphasized that this is a problem that will be costly, especially for those who use it.

“When 80% of the population uses an unmoderated social network, the management of which does not communicate with our state, and there is evidence of its affiliation with Russia and under the influence of Russian special services, this is a big mistake that will cost dearly.”– he said.

Poturaev sees a solution to the problem in the development of a draft law that would oblige social networks and platforms to establish a dialogue with the Ukrainian state. In case of refusal, the state must close them.