Telegram is the most popular source of news in Ukraine: can the government moderate it?
3 December 2024 14:31
ANALYSIS
A key but risky player. In 2024, the Telegram platform remains the main network through which Ukrainians receive news. And although the messenger’s share has grown by only 1% over the past year, it is the main source of information for 73%. These data were presented by Gillian McCormack, Director of the Internews Network in Ukraine, USAID Media Program in Ukraine.
During the discussion, organized by "Komersant Ukrainian", officials, businessmen and media professionals discussed important issues of the challenges posed by Telegram as the main communication channel in Ukraine, especially in times of war. One of the key topics was the regulation of Telegram channels and the need to create clear rules that would regulate the situation with cyberbullying, fake news and illegal advertising.
During the discussion panel, Taras Shevchenko, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine (2020-2024), founder of the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, drew attention to the fact that Telegram channels, having become an important source of news in Ukraine, at the same time lack proper legal regulation. He emphasized that Telegram channels are in a “gray zone” where their activities do not fall under clear media rules, which makes it difficult to combat disinformation and protect businesses from cyberbullying.
“Ukraine has a unique situation. Consumption of news from Telegram channels is much higher here than in Europe, and this makes regulating this area more challenging,”
– says Taras Shevchenko.
Disadvantages of the platform that create risks
Shevchenko identifies several key problems associated with Telegram channels.
Lack of financial transparency. Most channels that make money from advertising avoid taxation.
“If you make a profit from advertising or sponsorship, you have to work transparently, like any other business,”
– Shevchenko emphasizes.
Custom-made materials are unmarked. Advertising publications are often disguised as regular news or investigative journalism.
“Custom content, including from competitors or political players, has become a common practice. This violates advertising laws and ethical standards that should be applied to Telegram as well,”
– explains Taras Shevchenko.
Manipulative content. The platform is often used to attack state institutions, spread false information or create information pressure. According to Shevchenko, this causes reputational risks for law enforcement, government agencies, and even businesses.
Lack of ethical standards. Unlike traditional media, which have clear ethical rules, Telegram channels operate outside this system.
“The media community does not perceive Telegram channels as part of the journalistic profession. They remain in a gray area where there is no ethical control,”
– Shevchenko adds.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in a nutshell
Why it is important for the state to regulate Telegram
Shevchenko suggests several steps to solve these problems.
Legal regulation. It is necessary to introduce rules that will require Telegram channels to register as businesses if they earn money from advertising or sponsorship. This will help control tax payments and ensure financial transparency.
“When a newspaper sells advertising, it has to pay taxes. The same principle should apply to Telegram,”
– Shevchenko emphasizes.
Advertising should be labeled. Sponsored materials and advertising publications should be clearly labeled. This will help consumers distinguish news from advertising content.
Co-regulation. Content producers should participate in the creation of ethical codes and adhere to them. This mechanism is already used in other areas of media.
Benefits for legal channels. Legal Telegram channels can access government events, accreditations, and comments from government agencies.
“This will create incentives for channels to leave the gray zone,”
– Shevchenko adds.
What’s next?
The best approach is to gradually regulate Telegram channels rather than ban them, Shevchenko believes.
“Telegram channels should have a clear legal status, rules of financial transparency and ethical standards. This will help protect the country’s information space without restricting freedom of speech,”
– summarized Taras Shevchenko.
Thus, according to the expert, Telegram remains a powerful tool for communication, but its chaotic nature and lack of transparency create challenges for society. The introduction of regulation will be an important step towards a safer information environment in Ukraine.
Follow us on Telegram: the main news in a nutshell
