Ukrainian officials' use of the messaging service Telegram is being restricted, announces the country's national security council, citing threats to national security.
"The national security and defense council has decided to restrict the use of Telegram at state authorities, military units, and critical infrastructure facilities," the council states in a statement on Facebook.
Ukraine is warning that Russia may have access to personal data and messages in the app, which is widely used in both Russia and Ukraine. Employees who use Telegram for work will not be affected by the restriction, as the app is also an important communication channel.
The app's founder is Russian-born Pavel Durov, who is accused in France of not taking action against criminals using Telegram to commit crimes.
