Internet Fraud, Exploitation, and Shutdowns Create Issues for Users and Economies - November 2025

A recent survey revealed that nearly one in eight German online shoppers have been victimized by fake online stores within the past two years, where payments are taken for goods that are never delivered. In a separate case, a UK-registered website called Kenya Horn Hub is under scrutiny for allegedly advertising "adult tours" in Kenya, which rights groups claim promotes sexual exploitation. Beyond criminal misuse, the digital rights group Paradigm Initiative (PIN) warned that frequent internet shutdowns across Africa are a severe threat to economic growth and investor confidence. The group cited that Tanzania suffered "economically devastating" disruptions during its recent general elections and has an ongoing social media ban.