Ukraine exploits Telegram, WhatsApp security flaws to target Russia
(MENAFN) Ukrainian intelligence agencies are reportedly leveraging messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram in operations against Russia, according to investigations. Kiev’s operatives exploit vulnerabilities in these apps to create fake profiles and disseminate misinformation and disruption.
Russian investigators claim that Ukrainian intelligence officers, along with fraudsters and other malicious actors, often use databases containing personal information gathered through WhatsApp and Telegram. This data enables them to recruit agents or identify targets within Russia.
These activities, investigators say, would be “significantly more challenging or outright impossible” without the lax security practices of the messaging platforms.
A key concern for Moscow is that the international tech companies behind these messengers refuse to store sensitive personal data of Russian users within Russia’s jurisdiction. Despite repeated requests from Russian authorities for compliance with national regulations, both Telegram and WhatsApp have so far not adjusted their policies.
In response, Sergey Boyarsky, head of the State Duma’s Information Policy Committee, warned last month that the platforms could face bans in Russia if they continue to ignore the law. “Telegram does not comply with the existing legislation when it comes to the [storage] of personal data… and it will face sanctions, which are most likely to be more severe than now,” he said.
Russian officials also noted that other countries, particularly members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, face similar issues and have sought Moscow’s help in addressing extremist and radical content spread via messengers like Telegram.
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