September 2024 - KICTANet

UNESCO offers recommendations for regulation and national policies on AI
by Gachungi, Lydia 18 Sep '24

18 Sep '24

UNESCO offers recommendations for regulation and national policies on AI (g20.org)<https://www.g20.org/en/news/unesco-offers-recommendations-for-regulation-an…> In an interview with the G20 website, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Communication and Information Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, discussed media freedom, information literacy, the safety of journalists, and tackling disinformation with the initiative "Internet for Trust." He also addresses digital transformation, artificial intelligence ethics, and the inclusion of indigenous languages and people living with disabilities in the digital space.

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Major action against an encrypted communication platform used for criminal activities - Press Conference on 18 September
by Jacinta Wothaya 17 Sep '24

17 Sep '24

Dear Listers, On Wednesday, 18 September 2024, Europol will host a press conference to announce the results of a significant international law enforcement operation targeting an encrypted communication platform linked to major criminal activities, including drug trafficking, homicides, and money laundering. *Details of the Press Conference:* - *Date:* Wednesday, 18 September 2024 - *Time:* 11:00 CEST - *Location:* Europol Headquarters, The Hague, Netherlands - *Livestream:* Available on Europol’s homepage <https://www.europol.europa.eu> *Speakers Include:* - Europol - French National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale) - Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Australian Federal Police (AFP) - Irish An Garda Síochána - Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) *Countries and Organisations Involved:* Australia, Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, United States, Europol, Eurojust The upcoming event may be of interest to you, especially in light of the recent arrest of Telegram's CEO and developments surrounding encrypted communication platforms. The decision is expected to have substantial implications for the use of encrypted communications platforms and Tatua is especially interested in how it will impact the use of encryption by at-risk communities, particularly activists and whistleblowers who rely on encrypted messaging for safety. Best, *Jacinta Wothaya,* *Digital Resilience Fellow @**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/>, @*tatua <https://tatua.digital/>* LinkedIn: *Jacinta Wothaya <http://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-wothaya-510a8b153>*

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Re: Discussion: Shaping Kenya's Cybersecurity Ecosystem
by David Indeje 16 Sep '24

16 Sep '24

Dear Listers, *Day 3:* The CMCA has profound implications for businesses, individuals, and the digital economy in Kenya. Its effectiveness in balancing innovation with cybersecurity, addressing emerging technologies, and protecting individual rights is a subject of ongoing debate. Today, we encourage discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by the CMCA and explore potential solutions to enhance its effectiveness in shaping a secure and vibrant digital future for Kenya. *Section 5: Impact on Businesses and Individuals.* 1. How has the CMCA impacted businesses in Kenya in terms of cybersecurity practices and investments? 2. Do you believe the CMCA adequately protects the rights of individuals in the digital space? 3. Have there been any unintended consequences of the CMCA on businesses or individuals? 4. How has the CMCA affected the digital economy in Kenya? *Section 6: An analysis of the effectiveness of the CMCA to embrace emerging technologies and the cyberthreats they pose therein.* 1. How does the CMCA balance the need for innovation with cybersecurity? 2. Does the Act create an environment conducive to technological advancement or are there any provisions that stifle innovation? 3. How well does the CMCA address emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing and cryptocurrency? What can be done to enhance its ability to address these lacunas (if any). 4. How can the legal framework provided by the CMCA be enhanced to regulate the use of emerging technologies, while protecting individual digital rights? *Section 7: General Questions.* 1. Are there any legal uncertainties or ambiguities in the Act that hinder its effectiveness? 2. What are the capacity-building needs of law enforcement and the judiciary in addressing cybercrimes related to emerging technologies? 3. Is the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure sufficiently robust to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies? 4. Any other relevant comment that you may wish to include as regards the CMCA? -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Online Disinformation in Electoral Processes: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Democracies
by Victor Kapiyo 14 Sep '24

14 Sep '24

Dear listers, UNESCO is launching a global series of webinars for judicial operators as part of its AI and the Rule of Law Programme. The webinars will address: Gender Rights in the Judiciary in the era of Artificial Intelligence The Impact of AI on Law Enforcement The exacerbation of Online Disinformation in the Electoral Process through Artificial Intelligence, and The Practical Applications and Transformative Use Cases of Artificial Intelligence in the Judicial System. While the benefits of Artificial Intelligence are undoubtedly remarkable, it is essential that we delve into the profound legal and ethical implications that accompany its integration into our societies, including judicial systems. The Global Webinar Series will delve into critical topics to judicial operators and the legal profession at large. The Series aims to explore and unpack the implications raised by AI within the judiciary, and to encourage the potential of AI is harnessed both ethically and responsibly while promoting human rights and access to justice. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/online-disinformation-electoral-processe…

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Joint Memorandum on the Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024
by David Indeje 11 Sep '24

11 Sep '24

Dear Listers, We, Access Now and KICTANet, as Kenyan non-governmental and civil society organizations with expertise in human rights and information and communication technologies (ICTs), submit this joint memorandum <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/joint-memorandum-on-the-assembly-and…> in response to the call for input on the Assembly and Demonstrations Bill, 2024. We urge Parliament to adopt our recommendations to ensure the Assembly and Demonstrations Bill upholds the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in Kenya. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

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Happening Now: East Africa Internet Governance Forum; 11 - 12 Sept 2024
by Keith Andere 11 Sep '24

11 Sep '24

dear Listers, The 11th edition of the East Africa IGF is happening now in Kampala Uganda. You can follow the conversation virtually via the link *HERE <https://tinyurl.com/48ujdnnw>* -- *Kind Regards,* *Keith ANDERE* Internet 4 Development *"The internet could be a very positive step towards education, organisation and participation in a meaningful society." ~ Noam Chomsky*

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ATU Secretary-General calls for Africa’s unified voice in telecommunications standards.
by Neema Mujesia 10 Sep '24

10 Sep '24

Dear Listers, On August 12, 2024, the Africa Preparatory <https://atuuat.africa/event/3rd-and-final-african-preparatory-meeting-for-w…>Meeting for the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024, organized by the Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU), gathered key African stakeholders in Sandton, South Africa. John Omo, ATU Secretary General, emphasized the importance of presenting a unified African stance on issues such as spectrum allocation, emerging technologies, and digital inclusion ahead of WTSA-24. The meeting focused on bridging the digital divide, promoting affordable telecommunications in underserved areas, and leveraging technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT to address local challenges. Omo urged flexibility and unity in endorsing the African Common Positions (AfCPs) to enhance regional cooperation and secure a robust digital future for Africa. Read more about the meeting here. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/atu-secretary-general-calls-for-africas-unified-…> Blog by Dr. Grace Githaiga. With Best Regards, *Neema Mujesia,* Communications Officer@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @NeemaMasitsa <https://x.com/NeemaMasitsa?t=j6CNaieXaw74Mleb0-7YcA&s=09>| LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/neema-masitsa-254350222/> ___________________________. KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | X <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> | WhatsApp <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs *

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Safaricom and Starlink: Exploring the Controversy Surrounding LEO Satellite Services in Kenya
by Victor Kapiyo 08 Sep '24

08 Sep '24

Ben Roberts has written an insightful blog on the issues around the controversy that came up online following Safaricom's letter to the Communications Authority (CA) regarding the regulation of new services enabled by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites such as Starlink. The letter raised concerns about potential stifling of innovation and unfair competition, especially in the context of Starlink's broadband services and the emerging "Direct to Mobile" technology. According to Ben, Safaricom's letter primarily focuses on the regulatory considerations for "Direct to Mobile" services, seeking participation in international discussions to establish technical standards and ensure a level playing field for all operators. Read more: https://cioafrica.co/safaricom-vs-starlink-whats-the-fuss-all-about/

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Kituo Cha Sheria challenges Safaricom's claims against Starlink's entry into Kenya's internet market
by Victor Kapiyo 07 Sep '24

07 Sep '24

Kituo Cha Sheria, a non-governmental organization, has filed a case in support of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet services entering the Kenyan market. Kituo argues that Safaricom's claims about Starlink posing a threat to mobile network quality are unsubstantiated and that the company is motivated by its market dominance. Kituo requests a comprehensive scientific inquiry into the regulation of satellite internet services before any laws or regulations are enacted. They seek an injunction to prevent the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) from taking actions that may harm Starlink's consumers or hinder its operations. Read more: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/kituo-takes-on-s…

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Conflict on Personal Data Protection
by Liz Orembo 06 Sep '24

06 Sep '24

Dear listers, See this case in twitter. A lady was carjacked, her phone stolen and mpesa transferred to other numbers by thieves. Safaricom does not want to reveal the beneficiary numbers for the criminal transactions to the registered line owner. This is despite them going to Safaricom with an OB number. https://x.com/herine_lando/status/1831366028443709797?s=46 Question: 1. Is Safaricom justified to use data protection for its reason to decline request for information? What’s the real intention of the DPA? 2. Where are consumer and data protection rights on the side of the line owner? Esp where data protection policy is in conflict with consumer interests? 3. The line infrastructure belongs to Safaricom, but who does the transaction data belong to? And how do they share the responsibilities to protect the data? 4. Are there laws to solve this situation in the interest of the customer? Do we need to amend some? Best regards. Liz. PGP ID: 0x1F3488BF

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