Telegram may block Russian, Ukrainian channels due to dissemination of unverified info - Telegram founder

MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Telegram founder Pavel Durov has said the online platform is increasingly becoming a source of unverified information related to developments around Ukraine, and if the situation escalates, the possibility of blocking Ukrainian and Russian channels will be considered.

"I urge users from Russia and Ukraine to question any data that is being spread on Telegram at this time. We do not want Telegram to be used as a tool that exacerbates conflicts and incites interethnic discord," Durov said in a statement on his Telegram channel.

The messenger is "increasingly becoming a source of unverified information associated with Ukrainian events," he said.

"We do not have the physical ability to check all publications of the channels for reliability," the Telegram founder said.

"If the situation escalates, we will consider the possibility of partially or completely restricting the operation of Telegram channels in the countries involved for the duration of the conflict," Durov said.