Internet censorship has become a growing concern in many countries, and Kenya is no exception. In a recent incident, the popular social media platform Telegram faced an unexplained disruption coinciding with the country’s crucial college entrance examinations. The outage raised speculation about the motives behind it, with some suggesting it was aimed at preventing examination malpractice.
The impact of the Telegram shutdown on businesses in Kenya was significant. According to calculations conducted by NetBlocks, a London-based internet rights organization, the eight-day shutdown resulted in losses amounting to billions of Kenyan Shillings. Each day of inaccessibility cost businesses and the country an estimated Ksh537 million ($3.4 million) in foregone sales, wages, and economic benefits tied to the application’s use.
This incident is not isolated to Kenya. A study by UK-based internet privacy and security organization, Top10VPN, highlighted the global scale of internet disruptions. In 2023 alone, Sub-Saharan Africa experienced internet downtime for a total of 30,785 hours, resulting in a financial setback of $1.74 billion and impacting 84.8 million people.
Moreover, the study revealed a concerning trend whereby 50% of government-initiated internet outages worldwide were associated with human rights abuses, with restrictions on freedom of assembly being the most commonly reported violation. In the African context, major internet shutdowns were often linked to military coups and protests within the region.
The incident in Kenya serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of internet censorship. Not only does it have significant economic consequences, but it also poses a threat to citizens’ rights and freedoms. As the world grapples with these issues, it is crucial to find a balance between safeguarding security and preserving fundamental human rights. Internet shutdowns should not be used as a tool to control information and suppress dissent.
Ultimately, ensuring access to a free and open internet is essential for the development and progress of any country. Governments and authorities must recognize the importance of maintaining a transparent and inclusive online space, where citizens can freely express themselves, access information, and participate in democratic processes.