The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has instructed telecom operators to block access to Telegram temporarily in an effort to tackle exam cheating issues. Restrictions on Telegram were observed by users earlier this week, with internet monitoring organization NetBlocks confirming disruptions on networks like Safaricom. This interference follows a similar incident in November 2023, which reportedly led to significant financial losses, estimated at KSh 4.2 billion.
In a letter dated October 31, 2024, CA Director General David Mugonyi directed CEOs of major telecom companies—Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, Jamii Telecom, and Airtel Kenya—to restrict access to Telegram during exam hours, specifically from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays until November 22. The CA cites Telegram’s lack of response to concerns about misuse, highlighting that other social media platforms operating in Kenya have implemented safeguards to limit such activities.
Last year’s restriction on Telegram reportedly caused an estimated KSh 537 million in daily revenue losses across various sectors. During that period, six Telegram channel administrators were detained on allegations of promoting exam malpractice.
Recently, in September 2024, Telegram introduced an update to its privacy policy, allowing it to share IP addresses and phone numbers with law enforcement when illegal content is involved. This policy change came after Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France under suspicion of criminal conduct and non-compliance with court mandates.
With nearly a billion users globally, Telegram’s popularity has surged over the past decade due to features like unfiltered content sharing, large group channels, and end-to-end encryption. However, these same features have drawn scrutiny, as governments worldwide balance free speech with the need to regulate online activity. Similar debates are playing out globally, with Western nations often wary of apps like TikTok and Telegram, while nations like Russia and China view Western-based platforms with equal caution.
In Kenya, Telegram restrictions have become an annual occurrence, despite the platform being just one of many encrypted messaging options. Exam malpractice concerns have long existed in the country, even before Telegram’s rise in popularity.
