Key Provisions of Draft Law No. 11115
A new legislative proposal, Draft Law No. 11115, is being prepared for submission to Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. The bill aims to establish regulations for messaging services like Telegram and other online platforms that facilitate public access to information. Its provisions would introduce rules for platform providers, mandate that they have official representation within Ukraine, and require greater transparency regarding their ownership and funding sources.
The initiative's author, MP Mykola Knyazhytsky, has emphasized the need for ownership and financial transparency from all platforms. Specifically, platforms not registered within the European Union would be obligated to appoint an official representative in Ukraine. The National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting would be granted authority to demand that platforms disclose their ownership structure and sources of financing.
Parliamentary Debate and Public Opinion
Mykyta Poturaiev, head of the parliamentary committee on humanitarian and information policy, has raised concerns about the draft law's alignment with European legislation. He noted that the Council of Europe has already issued a negative opinion on a related text, which he says also applies to Knyazhytsky's proposal. Poturaiev announced that a discussion of the draft with parliamentary leadership and Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk is scheduled for March 19.
This legislative effort comes as Ukraine has committed to implementing the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) and the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) by the end of the year, which may influence the final wording of the bill. The move reflects a broader European trend towards regulating large digital platforms to ensure accountability and user safety.
The sociological group 'Rating' has published survey results on Ukrainian attitudes toward blocking Telegram. According to the poll:
- 76% of respondents oppose a complete ban of the messenger;
- 16% support the idea of blocking it;
- 52% of those surveyed favor increased oversight of the messenger by law enforcement agencies;
- 41% are against such a measure;
- 72% of Ukrainians believe Telegram does not affect their personal security;
- 8% believe it does have an impact;
- 28% of respondents expressed the view that Telegram negatively affects national security.
In 2024, Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov advocated for regulating Telegram's operations. These initiatives highlight the growing focus on security and control over information platforms in Ukraine, a nation actively defending itself in a hybrid war where information is a key front.
"I think we will pass this law because there is nothing terrible in it," stated Mykola Knyazhytsky, underscoring the bill's importance for ensuring security and transparency in the information sphere.
If passed, Draft Law No. 11115 could significantly alter the operational mechanisms for information platforms in Ukraine, providing greater transparency and state oversight. Parliament's response to expert and international feedback regarding the bill's compliance with European standards will be crucial, given Ukraine's EU integration commitments. The mixed public opinion revealed by polls indicates a complex societal attitude toward potential restrictions on popular platforms like Telegram, balancing security concerns with access to communication tools.
As the discussion around Draft Law No. 11115 unfolds, the conversation on digital regulation in Ukraine continues to gain momentum. Recently, the proposal by Budanov emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to Telegram and similar platforms, advocating for regulation rather than outright bans. This perspective highlights the importance of maintaining open communication channels while ensuring accountability and transparency in the digital landscape.