Unanimous Committee Backing for Draft Law No. 11115
The Humanitarian Policy Committee of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has unanimously endorsed Draft Law No. 11115, which aims to regulate the operations of Telegram and similar platforms within the country. This legislation introduces the concept of 'providers of shared information access platforms,' mandating that such services appoint an official representative in Ukraine. Platforms already registered within the European Union will be exempt from this requirement. A significant provision grants the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting the authority to demand disclosure of a platform's ownership structure and sources of funding. This move aligns with broader European efforts to increase accountability for major digital platforms.
Public Opinion and Survey Data
Recent polling data highlights Telegram's unique role in Ukraine's information space. An Ipsos survey found 62% of Ukrainians consider Telegram an information source, while other studies suggest this figure exceeds 80%. For context, comparable figures in EU countries range from just 5% to 30%. A study by the Rating Sociological Group revealed the following public attitudes:
- 76% of respondents oppose a complete ban of Telegram in Ukraine,
- 16% support the idea of a ban,
- 52% favor increased oversight of the messenger by law enforcement,
- 41% are against strengthening such oversight.
A majority of Ukrainians (72%) believe Telegram does not affect their personal security, while 8% hold the opposite view. Separately, 28% of those polled feel the messenger negatively impacts national security. MP Mykola Knyazhytsky noted:
“If the relevant law is passed, it will be possible to approach Apple Store and Google Play to block certain applications.” — Mykola Knyazhytsky
He also observed, however, that Ukrainians would likely find ways to continue using such apps via VPNs.
The support for Draft Law No. 11115 reflects the legislature's intent to adapt to contemporary challenges posed by information technologies and their societal impact. Regulating platforms like Telegram could become a significant step toward ensuring information security in Ukraine. Given Telegram's popularity as an information source, finding a balance between freedom of speech and the need to control disinformation is crucial. Subsequent implementation steps may substantially influence the country's media landscape and how citizens interact with information technologies.
As Ukraine moves to regulate Telegram, the situation in occupied regions highlights the platform's critical role in communication. Recently, Russia's actions to block Telegram in these areas have raised concerns about information isolation for residents. Understanding the implications of these developments is essential for grasping the broader context of digital communication in Ukraine.