Why more Kenyans are choosing Unit Trusts over Stocks

In recent weeks, Telegram has once again found itself under scrutiny, this time due to an investigative report by Bellingcat that highlights the platform’s potential for misuse. The messaging app, renowned for its robust privacy features, is facing serious questions about its role in supporting potentially harmful activities. At the heart of the controversy is Telegram Stars, a feature that allows users to make purchases within the platform. According to the investigative report, Russian Private Military Companies (PMCs) have been leveraging this functionality to facilitate financial support for military operations in regions like the Sahel.

Telegram’s defining characteristic has always been its unwavering commitment to data privacy. Its end-to-end encryption is designed to be so secure that not even the app itself can access user conversations. While this approach champions user privacy, it has simultaneously created a fertile breeding ground for problematic use. The platform has become an attractive hub for various actors with malicious intent. Extremist groups, cybercriminals, and other ill-intentioned individuals find Telegram’s privacy features particularly appealing, almost like a branch of the dark web. The app’s encryption effectively shields illegal content from authorities, making it challenging to monitor or prevent potentially dangerous communications.

This is not just an international concern. Closer to home, Telegram has faced restrictions for similar, albeit lighter, reasons. In 2023 and 2024, the platform was temporarily shut down in Kenya to prevent the spread of exam papers and curb cheating during KCSE examination periods. These actions raised critical questions about the delicate balance between protecting national interests and avoiding censorship.