In her article, Tetiana Oleksiyuk examines how the dissemination of official information during times of war influences societal resilience and public trust, with particular emphasis on the Ukrainian context. She assesses the effectiveness of international standards and national legislation in ensuring timely and reliable communication and highlights how unreliable digital platforms like Telegram contribute to the spread of disinformation. The research identifies gaps in existing regulatory frameworks and underscores the importance of proactive and verified information sharing to maintain public trust and strengthen societal stability during crises. The study concludes with recommendations for improving legal frameworks and digital infrastructure, as well as for enhancing resilience against disinformation.
The article was written during Tetiana Oleksiyuk’s time as a guest researcher at CAIS.
Abstract
This article systematically analyses the dissemination of official information during wartime, focusing on the Ukrainian experience and its broader implications for societal resilience and public trust. The research evaluates the effectiveness of international standards and Ukraine’s national legislation in ensuring timely and reliable communication and highlights the challenges posed by unofficial digital platforms, particularly Telegram, which, while widely used, can contribute to the spread of disinformation and weaken trust in state institutions. Employing a multi-method approach, including case studies, comparative analysis, and legislative review, the research identifies gaps in existing regulatory frameworks governing public access to information. It also explores the risks associated with unauthorized actors distributing official information via Telegram, further undermining public confidence in government communications. Key findings emphasize the critical role of proactive disclosure of verified information in countering disinformation and maintaining societal stability during crises. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for improving legislative frameworks, strengthening digital infrastructure, and enhancing resilience against disinformation. These insights contribute to ongoing discussions on information governance and digital security, underscoring the necessity of a robust and transparent official communication system to build an informed and resilient society.
Oleksiyuk, T. (2025). The right to access official information as a resilience-improving tool: Ukrainian lessons during wartime. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101549