Telegram Restrictions Implemented During Exams in Kenya to Prevent Cheating Amidst Growing Debate
In a move aimed at preventing exam cheating among students, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has requested telecommunications providers in the country to block access to the popular encrypted messaging platform, Telegram, during examination periods until November 22, 2023.
This annual ban on Telegram has become a recurring measure in Kenya, as the platform, renowned for its unfiltered content and massive group chats, has become a powerful tool for free communication. However, it frequently finds itself at odds with government oversight, particularly in the context of exam malpractice.
The CA's letter, sent to the heads of Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, Jamii Telecom, and Airtel Kenya, stated that while other social media platforms have cooperated, Telegram has been less responsive to efforts to prevent misuse. The CA's request follows a series of incidents involving Telegram group administrators who were arrested last year on allegations of exam malpractice.
The temporary blockage of Telegram could potentially cause significant losses to businesses, as estimated by a similar ban in November 2023, which could amount to KSh 4.2 billion. Last year, Netblocks reported that Kenya faced daily losses of approximately KSh 537 million due to a similar ban.
The debate over free speech versus regulation is intensifying on a global scale, with sharp contrasts in platform regulations existing between the West and nations like Russia and China. Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France in a separate incident, while the platform's privacy policies were updated in September 2024 to allow the sharing of IP addresses and phone numbers with law enforcement during criminal investigations.
On Friday, Netblocks confirmed disruptions on Safaricom, citing alignment with previous Telegram restrictions. Despite regulatory efforts, Telegram remains the leading encrypted messaging platform in Kenya, with over 1 billion users globally.
The CA's directive has sparked a heated discussion among Kenyans, with some expressing concerns over the potential infringement on free speech, while others argue for the necessity of such measures to maintain the integrity of exams. The issue remains a complex one, highlighting the ongoing tension between technological innovation and regulatory oversight.
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