Once again, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has instructed the nation’s telecommunications providers to block access to Telegram.
This week, Kenyan users began experiencing restricted access to Telegram, especially on Safaricom’s network. Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed disruptions, stating that the interruption was consistent with previous instances of blocking Telegram.
Last November, a similar blackout led to substantial economic costs, estimated at KSh 4.2 billion, and this year’s ban could potentially have similar repercussions.
Why Telegram Access Has Been Blocked
This temporary suspension targets peak KCSE exam hours, aiming to reduce exam-related malpractice on the platform, which is widely used for sharing information anonymously.
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In a letter seen by City Digest news, the CA addressed its directive to the CEOs of Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, and Jamii Telecom, along with Airtel Kenya’s Managing Director, stating that Telegram is misused to facilitate academic malpractice. The authority expressed frustration with Telegram’s lack of cooperation, unlike other social media platforms that have reportedly collaborated in addressing misuse.
Suspension Set for Exam Hours
The CA’s directive requires telcos to block Telegram during examination hours, specifically from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on weekdays. This restriction is set to remain in effect until the current examination period concludes on November 22. Similar restrictions last year saw the arrest of six Telegram channel administrators accused of sharing exam material.
The platform has seen numerous restrictions globally for its lenient stance on content moderation. Last year, Telegram reportedly agreed to update its privacy policies, allowing law enforcement access to user IP addresses and phone numbers in cases of suspected criminal activity. These changes followed the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov, in France on allegations related to illegal content sharing.
Telegram’s Popularity Amid Privacy Concerns
Despite repeated controversies, Telegram’s popularity has continued to rise, reaching nearly one billion users worldwide. Telegram has drawn users seeking private, unfiltered conversations, thanks to its pioneering features like large-group channels and end-to-end encryption. However, these same features have also made it a target for government crackdowns. The platform’s encrypted nature has raised suspicions that it aids in bypassing state oversight.
In Kenya, authorities face ongoing challenges with the rise of digital platforms during exam seasons. Blocking Telegram has become an annual event, although the government acknowledges that exam malpractice predates the app’s widespread use.
