August 2017 - KICTANet

Talk to NCIC Day 1: Users and Fake News
by kanini mutemi 24 Aug '17

24 Aug '17

Good morning Listers, Let me start of by thanking NCIC for their willingness to engage on this issue. We look forward to a a great discussion and pragmatic proposals. We had a discussion on this during the PRE KIGF ONLINE DISCUSSION DAY 2- FAKE NEWS DURING ELECTIONEERING. <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxmvjvsBlX3dUmVfS3IyaTdkZ0U/view> I will say at that time, the impact of Fake News was not apparent. Times have since changed as we have now witnessed numerous 'Fake News' posts which go viral within minutes. Following the election results, posts on alleged instances of violence and of government action in parts of the country have dominated social media platforms. On several occasions, government officials, media houses and diligent citizens have come forward to denounce these posts as 'Fake News'. Photos that were first presented as true accounts of the situation on the ground were later discovered to be old photos of past events. At the same time, there have been instances where posts were quickly dismissed as 'Fake News' even when there was evidence later on that they were indeed factual reports. There is therefore a need for us to navigate through this issue carefully. Just for the record, it was agreed previously that the definition we are working with is Fake News refers to disinformation which GG aptly put as: *fabricated news that has no basis in fact, but is presented as being factually accurate. * With this in mind, I invite you to engage on the questions below: *(a) Why is there an increase in the prevalence of Fake News recently?* *(b) What is the role of different categories of users in combating Fake News?* *(c) Have Kenyans given up or are there good practices in combating Fake News?* *(d) Is Fake News a manifestation of deeper societal issues and if so, are there ways of combating it other than resolving the societal issues?* *(e) We have Bloggers who are seen as influencers. Do they have a higher duty when communicating?* -- *Mercy Mutemi*.

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Civil Society applicants for the Internet Governance Forum
by Dorcas Muthoni 24 Aug '17

24 Aug '17

*The Internet Society is searching for representatives from Civil Society and nonprofits globally for it Ambassadors program to the **Internet Governance Forum* <https://www.intgovforum.org/>* (IGF) and associated activities in Geneva, Switzerland from December 17 to 21, 2017.* IGF Civil Society Ambassadorships are for next generation leaders who have a strong interest in the issues and themes of the IGF. Selection for the Ambassadorships is competitive. *The Internet Society Ambassadors to IGF program is looking for Civil Society representatives with the following attributes:* · Works with or demonstrates an interest in utilizing the Internet or technology · Is active in policy discussions · Has mobilized a group for a cause or lead an advocacy campaign · Has experience and passion in convening diverse groups of stakeholders to advance the global good *About the IGF Ambassadorship Award* *- ISOC membership is required and applicants must register for their free ISOC membership prior to submitting the application for the IGF ambassadorship*-https://www.internetsociety.org/get-involved - Take note of practical information <https://www.internetsociety.org/what-we-do/education-and-leadership-program…>, including which financial elements the award is intended to cover. There are certain expectations <https://www.internetsociety.org/what-we-do/education-and-leadership-program…> placed upon award recipients, including administration and preparation for the Forum, and sharing their experiences afterwards. *-The deadline to apply is September 24, 2017.* *How to Apply* https://internetsociety.wufoo.com/forms/2017-civil-society- ambassadors-to-the-igf/ *About the **Internet Governance Forum* <https://www.intgovforum.org/> * (IGF)* The Internet’s influence has touched people all over the globe. In 2003 and 2005, the United Nations organized the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). One of the most critical outcomes from this landmark summit was the creation of the Internet Governance Forum, or the "IGF". Each year there are global, national, and regional IGFs events happening around the world. Every IGF offers a unique space for an amazing range of people to share information and develop solutions on key Internet issues. It was purposefully designed not to be a decision-making body, *which allows people to speak freely, on an equal footing*, without limitations linked to the negotiations of formal outcomes. What comes out of the IGF, however, plays an essential role in shaping decisions taken by other groups that *helps the Internet run* <http://internetsociety.org/who-makes-internet-work-internet-ecosystem>*.* *Take Part in the Forum* Those individuals chosen as ISOC Ambassadors to IGF take part in the forum itself, providing subject matter expertise and facilitating the exchange of information and best practices with key stakeholders participating in the meetings. In the lead up to the Forum itself, each ambassador will participate in an online course for four weeks and will be paired with a mentor – an experienced IGF participant, often a former recipient of this award – who will help them prepare and familiarize themselves with the relevant IGF materials, as well as acting as a point of contact at the meeting itself. Ambassadors represent the Internet Society by promoting the organization’s positions on public policy issues related to the discussions happening at the IGF <https://www.internetsociety.org/igf>. They also contribute by providing local and regional perspectives and opinions to enhance the quality of the various sessions and workshops. For any other information, please contact bengaard(a)isoc.org -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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IGF 2017 Remote Hubs
by Michael Ilishebo 23 Aug '17

23 Aug '17

Dear Colleagues, In case your respective teams/communities are interested to participate at the 12th IGF annual meeting <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/igf-2017-geneva-switzerlan…>, but can not attend the meeting in person, we would like to inform that there will be an option to organize Remote Hubs <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/igf-2017-remote-hubs>. This has been a very successful practice in previous IGFs. It allows for interested groups to gather in one place, and follow the meeting discussions from their homes, offices or any other spaces. Through your Remote Hub platform, you can interact live with the meeting on-site participants, by sending text questions or using audio/video system. Stakeholders interested in organizing a Remote Hub are invited to register before 17 November 2017, by using this online form <https://www.intgovforum.org/multilingual/content/igf-2017-remote-hub-regist…> . We would appreciate early registrations, as it will allow for the IGF Secretariat to organize dedicated training for remote moderators, where needed. Best regards, IGF Secretariat

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Fwd: African Mobile Factbook 3Q 2017 - whitepaper download
by Ali Hussein 22 Aug '17

22 Aug '17

Listers This may be useful. Regards *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *Hussein & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Keith Wallace <keithw(a)thinkcmsinfo.com> Date: Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 4:44 PM Subject: African Mobile Factbook 3Q 2017 - whitepaper download To: Ali Hussein <info(a)alyhussein.com> For your attention The 'Africa Mobile Factbook 3Q 2017' provides 54-pages of analysis, forecasts and data with 18 charts and 13 tables. Unique mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to grow from 420 million at the end of 2016 to 535 million in 2020, although only 40 percent will have mobile Internet penetration in that period, and the surge is forecast to make it the fastest-growing global region. Subscriber growth is expected to be boosted by currently under-represented segments. These include the under-16 age group, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the population in many countries, and women, who are currently 17 percent less likely to have a mobile than their male counterparts. Meanwhile local mobile operators have invested some USD 37 billion in their networks over the past five years, mainly to deploy new 3G and 4G mobile broadband networks. Concentrated and underpenetrated markets, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania,are expected to account for half of the 115 million new subscribers in the Sub-Saharan Africa by 2020. Download your copy of the* 'Africa Mobile Factbook 3Q 2017 <http://www.thinkcmsinfo.com/track_email.php?id=Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFmcmljYW50…>'* now! Or follow market developments with a no-obligation 5-issue trial subscription to '*Africa & Middle East Telecom-Week*' <http://www.thinkcmsinfo.com/track_email.php?id=Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFmcmljYW50…>, providing a unique blend of news, analysis and subscriber data. Kind regards Keith Wallace *TelecomsMarketResearch - "Your One-Stop Information Shop"* *13 Chiltern House, Waterside, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1PS, UK* *t:+44-(0)1494-771734 f:+44-(0)1494-778994**e-mail: * *keithw(a)thinkcmsinfo.com** web: **http://www.TelecomsMarketResearch.com <http://www.thinkcmsinfo.com/track_email.php?id=Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudGVsZWNvbXNt…>* *Chiltern Magazine Services Ltd.,* *Registered Office: Morton House, 9 Beacon Court, Pitsone Green Business Park, Pitstone, LU7 9GY, UK**Registered in England and Wales No. 3240740 VAT No.GB 685 4343 10* Should you wish to see further information on either Thinkcmsinfo.com or any of the research titles we promote then email keithw(a)thinkcmsinfo.com If you want to unsubscribe from this list, please click on the unsubscribe <http://www.thinkcmsinfo.com/elms_unsubscribe.php?unsubscribe&key=6809d44ae7…> link. Alternatively, to improve the relevance of these market research updates, please let me know what is a hot topic for you right now. Please email keithw(a)thinkcmsinfo.com.

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Re: [kictanet] Day 2 on Fake News: Combating Fake News
by Mildred Achoch 22 Aug '17

22 Aug '17

Dear Listers, On combating fake news: I have just come across an ad titled "Fight Fake News". When I clicked, it took me to this interesting website. "Hostwriter is a global network for media professionals. We connect journalists to easily seek and offer help, whether in the form of story collaboration, local advice or even accommodation. All journalists provide work samples by way of professional verification. Membership is free of charge." Could a Kenyan version of this help in combating fake news? On Saturday, August 19, 2017, kanini mutemi via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Good afternoon Listers, > > Thank you for participating in Day 2 of Talk to NCIC. Once again, very > good and thought provoking contributions. Just a quick summary of the > discussions: > > > *On (a): What is the effect of Fake News to the mainstream media?* > > Fake News affects the credibility of mainstream media. > > > > *On (b): What is the role of the Kenyan media in combating Fake News?* > Mainstream media already has a platform from which they ought to educate > the public on Fake News while propagating the truth. The media should > always fact-check stories posted by others and be quick to call out Fake > News. To avoid further denting their credibility, mainstream media should > be careful to only post that which is legitimate. Since Kenyan still trust > mainstream media as a legitimate source of information, they must uphold > this fiduciary duty. > > There was a proposal for a quick fact-checking tool which people can use > to ascertain the veracity of a story before sharing it. > > > *On (c): Is the Kenyan media doing enough? *Initiatives such as Newsplex > and the fact-checking segment on NTV demonstrate that the media is fighting > back against Fake News. We were also informed of the global search for > enterprising solutions by the International Centre for Journalists (ICJF) > @Churchill please keep us updated on this. > > There was a feeling, however, that these efforts are not enough- more > needs to be done. > > *On (d): What should platforms such as Facebook and Google be doing to > reduce the effect of Fake News? Is there a need for localised solutions?* > > Initiatives by Google and Facebook were lauded. @Fadzai pointed out some > of the work being done by Facebook eg the in-app educational tool, and > efforts to make Fake News less profitable. Local efforts by PesaCheck and > AfricaCheck were highlighted as examples to emulate. > > > If you have anything to add, feel free. This is not the end of the > conversation. > -- > *Mercy Mutemi*. > > > > -- Check out the Rock 'n' roll film festival, Kenya TV Channel! http://kenyarockfilmfestivaljournal.blogspot.com

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US Supreme Court asked to nullify the Google trademark
by Ali Hussein 22 Aug '17

22 Aug '17

Listers Interesting development. Is the term "google" too generic and therefore unworthy of its trademark protection? That's the question before the US Supreme Court. Words like teleprompter, thermos, hoover, aspirin, and videotape were once trademarked. They lost the status after their names became too generic and fell victim to what is known as "genericide." What's before the Supreme Court is a trademark lawsuit that Google already defeated in a lower court. The lawsuit claims that Google should no longer be trademarked because the word "google" is synonymous to the public with the term "search the Internet." US Supreme Court asked to nullify the Google trademark <https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/08/supreme-court-asked-to-nullify-…> What are the implications in the Kenyan context? Have you heard guys using Airtel Money saying 'Mpesa me please?' :-) Should governments even think about this? It's ludicrous that we are even discussing this.. :-) *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *Hussein & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with.

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Re: [kictanet] Talk to NCIC on hate speech, fake news and social media
by Ali Hussein 22 Aug '17

22 Aug '17

GG This debate is timely and urgent and looking forward to different perspectives. It's great to see NCIC finally wanting to engage as opposed to issuing threats to social media users. This is a sign of maturity and it is very welcome. Looking forward to engaging. Regards *Ali Hussein* *Principal* *Hussein & Associates* Tel: +254 713 601113 Twitter: @AliHKassim Skype: abu-jomo LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim> 13th Floor , Delta Towers, Oracle Wing, Chiromo Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. Any information of a personal nature expressed in this email are purely mine and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the organizations that I work with. On Tue, Aug 15, 2017 at 11:50 PM, Grace Githaiga via kictanet < kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Listers > > > Further to our production of the policy brief on Internet Shutdowns in > which we called on the relevant authorities to uphold the freedom of > expression during elections, the National Cohesion and Integration > Commission (NCIC) https://www.cohesion.or.ke/ whose overall objective is > to encourage national cohesion and integration, reached out to us to us > today. Their main concern is that some social media users have gone > overboard in heightening emotions through sharing of false information, > fake news and what is considered hate speech. > > > As KICTANet, we can contribute to possible interventions in such away as > to moderate some of these conversations. > > > In the same way that we have engaged with other partners, we propose a > moderated discussion with NCIC for three days (tomorrow Wednesday 16 to > Friday 18, August 2017). This discussion may also be to offer the > Commission your suggestions on possible approaches. The NCIC team that > includes staff and some commissioners have been subscribed here. So they > are listening! > > > This will be followed by a face to face meeting sometime next week, where > the NCIC team will respond to concerns that you may wish to further raise > with them, or simply listen to your recommendation. We will advise you on > the date and venue in due course. > > > Day 1 > > > Introduction > > > Fake news is essentially fabricated news that has no basis in fact, but > is presented as being factually accurate. > > > The electioneering period in Kenya saw a rapid spread of fake news that > manifested itself in several ways on the internet. These included content > on websites or social media pages that was outright false, deliberately > misleading, manipulated, fabricated, or with made-up sources, fake websites > that mimic legitimate ones etc. Unfortunately, several social media users > have fallen prey to this type of news and have ended up sharing such > information without verification. This was for example, evident in the > events that followed the announcement of presidential results, where the > rapid spread of unverified information, including hate speech, that > heightened fear, anxiety and tension across the country, reminiscent of the > 2007 post-election period. > > > While Kenya’s Constitution enshrines freedom of expression, it also limits > this right to exclude incitement to violence, hate speech and advocacy for > incitement that is discriminatory or that constitutes ethnic incitement, > vilification of others or incitement to cause harm. > > > According to section 13 of the NCIC Act, the offence of hate speech is > committed when a person uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or > behaviour, or displays any written material; publishes or distributes > written material; presents or directs the performance the public > performance of a play; distributes, shows or plays, a recording of visual > images; or provides, produces or directs a programme, which is threatening, > abusive or insulting or involves the use of threatening, abusive or > insulting words or behavior commits an offence if such person intends > thereby to stir up ethnic hatred, or having regard to all the > circumstances, ethnic hatred is likely to be stirred up. the penalty is > fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not > exceeding three years or to both. > > > The rise in disinformation on the Internet in Kenya brings to fore the > challenges of regulating social media platforms and content in general. > This is a global problem and the current problem in Kenya provides an > opportunity for actors to contribute to this discussion. The problem can be > assessed from different angles. At the basic level are users who contribute > to the Internet economy by having online presences. However, when they > produce and share disinformation, whether with good or bad intention, they > make the Internet a toxic space and their actions can have dangerous > effects offline. > > > At a second level are platforms where the content is shared. The rise in > use of the platforms therefore makes public policy advocates interrogate > the role of the platforms in combating the spread of such content and > therefore preventing offline harm. > > > Finally, there are regulators and government agencies in Kenya that were > established to regulate aspects of communication technologies and promote > national cohesion in Kenya. The current situation has seen affected > Kenyans look up to them to provide leadership at this critical time. > > > The rise of fake news and hate speech was discussed on KICTANet in the > runup to the annual Kenya IGF in July 2017. The magnitude of the problem > however requires experts to come together and not only help Kenyans > understand the problem but also offer solutions on how best to resolve the > problem, both in the immediate and long term. > > > Suggested Questions > > Day One: Users and Fake News > > 1. > > Why is there an increase in the prevalence of fake news recently? > 2. > > What is the role of different categories of users in combating fake > news? > 3. > > Have Kenyans given up or are there good practices in combating fake > news? > 4. > > Is fake news a manifestation of deeper societal issues and if so, are > there any ways to combat it other than resolving the societal issues? > 5. > > We have Bloggers who are seen as influencers. Do have a higher duty > when communicating? > > > > Day Two: Platform Responsibility > > 1. > > What should platforms such as Facebook and Google be doing to reduce > the effect of fake news? > 2. > > Is Kenya’s problem so unique that it requires localised solutions by > platforms? > 3. > > What is the role of media in combating fake news? > 4. > > Is the Kenyan media doing enough? > > > Day Three: Government Agencies and Regulator > > 1. > > Given the effect of fake news in Kenya, does it cross the “red line”. > In other words, is fake news illegal if it leads to incitement? > 2. > > Do the two main agencies NCIC and CA have sufficient mandate to combat > fake news? > 3. > > If not, is it time we regulated social media use? How? > > > > > Best regards > > > Githaiga, Grace > > > Co-Convenor > Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) > Twitter:@ggithaiga > Tel: 254722701495 > Skype: gracegithaiga > Alternate email: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com > Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga > www.kictanet.or.ke > > "Change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged and > come together to demand it. I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability > to bring about change – but in yours"---Barrack Obama. > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet > Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/ > mailman/options/kictanet/info%40alyhussein.com > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, > share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do > not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > >

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Day 2 on Fake News: Platform Responsibility
by kanini mutemi 19 Aug '17

19 Aug '17

Good morning Listers. It's another great day to talk about Fake News! Day 1 we focused on the prevalence of Fake News and the role of different stakeholders in combating it. Now we move to *Platform Responsibility. * For those who are just joining us, KICTANet is carrying out a three day online engagement with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on how to deal with Fake News. Feel free to share your proposals on possible interventions. Here are some questions to guide our discussion today: *(a) What is the effect of Fake News to the mainstream media?* *(b) **What is the role of the Kenyan media in combating Fake News?* *(c) * *Is the Kenyan media doing enough?* *(d) **What should platforms such as Facebook and Google be doing to reduce the effect of Fake News? Is there a need for localised solutions?* Fire away. -- *Mercy Mutemi*.

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 123, Issue 52
by PETER OLOO 18 Aug '17

18 Aug '17

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android On Fri, Aug 18, 2017 at 14:42, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Talk to NCIC Day 3: Government Regulation of Fake News (kanini mutemi) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2017 14:26:38 +0300 From: kanini mutemi <kaninimutemi(a)gmail.com> To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Talk to NCIC Day 3: Government Regulation of Fake News Message-ID: <CACiPFogqVe4Vu=02igzRnPMsPLRufAtcSoBsFA8wzfMT-8G3eA(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" I have attached a copy of the *Computer and Cybercrimes Bill, 2017 *published on 13th June, 2017. Clause 12 reads: *'A person who intentionally publishes false, misleading or fictitious data or misinforms with intent that the data shall be considered or acted upon as authentic, with or without any financial gain, commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.'* ?Is there a drawback to this approach? ? -- *Mercy Mutemi*.

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Talk to NCIC Day 3: Government Regulation of Fake News
by kanini mutemi 18 Aug '17

18 Aug '17

Good morning Listers, Welcome to Day 3 of engaging with NCIC on Fake News. We have so far spent some time looking at the impact of Fake News and teasing out what different stakeholders can do to fight Fake News. Since we are in agreement that Fake News has become a menace, *is it time the government regulated Fake News? * Today's guiding questions: *(a) Should the spreading of Fake News be a crime? How about when Fake News leads to incitement? * *(b) The NCIC (National Cohesion and Integration Commission) and the CA (Communications Authority); do these agencies have the sufficient mandate to combat Fake News?* *(c) Is it time we reguated social media use? How? * Looking forward to hearing your views! -- *Mercy Mutemi*.

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