Previously, Telegram blocked official chatbots transmitting information to the Defense Forces. Against the background of information about the blocking of the network, discussions about the blocking of Telegram continue in Ukraine.

Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security announced that bots have been restored / Screenshot

Blocking chatbots to collect information for SOU

On the evening of April 28, Telegram blocked a number of chatbots used to collect information and coordinate with residents of temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine and the resistance movement.

Which bots are blocked:

• “еВорог” (official bot of the Ministry of Digital, @evorog_bot);
• Official bots of GUR and SBU (Intelligence Bot and Stop Russian War);
• Boat coordinator from the south of Ukraine;
• Air defense boat to track the witnesses.

After the chatbots were blocked, there were heated discussions on social networks about the reasons for the blocking of resources. Some users assume that this is a result of attempts to limit Telegram’s work in Ukraine, supported by some lawmakers and activists.

At the same time, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech denies the connection between the blocking of chatbots of special services and criticism of Ukrainian officials in Telegram.

A strange example of Stockholm syndrome. It’s like explaining the arrival of Russian troops by the need to protect Russian speakers. Ukrainian authorities managed to find a solution to block Russian propaganda in TG, especially with the participation of the Apple platform. Of course the FSB did not like this and forced Durov to block things related to Ukraine,
– noted Yurchyshyn.

It is worth emphasizing that all these bots were used to collect information on the movement of enemy equipment and enemy manpower. The Russians have constantly created a number of fake chatbots that imitate official sources of the SBU and GUR. Therefore, their blocking increased risks for Ukrainians living in temporarily occupied territories.