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Guy Reveals Airtel Secretly Inserting JavaScript, Gets Threatened With Jail For Criminal Copyright Infringement
by cdohnio 10 Jun '15

10 Jun '15

This happened in India and there's no proof it's happening here but it's not hard to imagine something like this happening here. So the real question is, if one of our networks pulled this stunt what recourse do we have as consumers? ---- *Guy Reveals Airtel Secretly Inserting JavaScript, Gets Threatened With Jail For Criminal Copyright Infringement* <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techdirt/feed/~3/t3kjsgayJX8/story01.htm> // *Techdirt* <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/techdirt/feed/~3/t3kjsgayJX8/story01.htm> Last week, an Indian blogger, Thejesh GN, discovered that mobile operator Airtel was injecting javascript into subscribers' browsing sessions, which is both incredibly sketchy and a huge security concern (not to mention raising net neutrality issues on the side). He posted the proof to GitHub and tweeted about it <https://twitter.com/thej/status/606126370364649472>: He posted the evidence showing that javascript was being quietly inserted, and that it apparently tried to insert some sort of toolbar <http://www.storypick.com/airtel-sends-legal-notice-indian-coder/>: That's all super sketchy. But that's just the very beginning of this story. Because days later, Thejesh received the most ridiculous legal threat letter <https://archive.org/stream/LEGALNOTICETOTHEJESHGNCEASEANDDESISTINFRINGEMENT…>, coming from a lawyer named Ameet Mehta from the law firm Solicis Lex. It claims to be representing an Israeli company, Flash Network, which is apparently responsible for the code injection software... and it claims that by merely *revealing to the public* that Airtel was doing these injections, he had *engaged in **criminal** copyright infringement* under the Information Technology Act, 2000. If that sounds familiar, that's because we wrote about <https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140824/06590028306/indian-state-passes-…> that ridiculous law last year, noting that it would technically allow people to be put in jail for merely thinking about infringing someone's copyright. And the Solicis Lex lawyers, to show they're not messing around, *cc'd the police* on the letter they sent: The crux of the "copyright" claim seems fairly ridiculous: *The said code is closed source software and our client is sole proprietor of the same. Therefore, no one can use the said code without obtaining license from our client against payment of fees and/or royalties and on commercial and legal terms acceptable to our client. Your aforementioned actions constitute a blatant violation of our client's copyrights and other proprietary rights in the said code. * Remember: all Thejesh GN did was *show the code that Airtel inserted into * *his** browser*. If Flash Network thinks that showing the code that it dumps into each of your browsing sessions is criminal copyright infringement, just about anyone who does a "view source" could be guilty. That's a plainly ridiculous reading of the law. On top of that, the lawyers sent a DMCA notice to GitHub, which caved in and *took it down*: This is despite GitHub's recent promise <https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141016/17030128852/github-promises-to-a…> not to take things down without first alerting the users in question. Absolutely everything about this is *insane* and bad. The initial injections by Airtel/Flash are bad and dangerous. Both companies should be called out for such javascript injections. But, Flash's response to not only threaten *a completely bogus* copyright takedown/cease and desist claim, but also to allege *criminal violations* that could lead to jail time just adds an insane layer on top of all that. Even arguing that merely posting screenshots of the injected code is civil copyright infringement is crazy. And then issuing a DMCA takedown to GitHub (not to mention GitHub agreeing to take the screenshots down...). All of it is ridiculous and a clear abuse of copyright law to silence someone who revealed Airtel and Flash Network were up to questionable activities. For those who argue that copyright is never used for censorship: explain this story. Of course, it all seems to be backfiring in a big way. Flash may have wanted to hide what they were up to, but now it's getting much, much, much more attention. Maybe, next time, rather than threatening whistleblowers of your bad practices with claims of criminal copyright infringement, Flash and Airtel will think more about their own crappy business practices that put users at risk. Permalink <https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150609/06505631281/guy-reveals-airtel-s…> | Comments <https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150609/06505631281/guy-reveals-airtel-s…> | Email This Story <https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150609/06505631281/guy-reveals-airtel-s…> ---- Shared via *my feedly reader* <http://feedly.com>

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CAN USF BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE FTA TRANSMISSION
by James Mbugua 09 Jun '15

09 Jun '15

Listers, Recently, Multichoice has indicated that it may need FTA users of its GOTV service to pay a small annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of transmission. This issue has repeatedly raised hackles because, licensed pay-TV providers like GOTV and Startimes are also required by law to carry FTA channels, the "Must-carry" rule. It is not clear who is supposed to cater for the cost of this transmission. Typically, FTA analogue transmission costs were recouped through advertising. So it would seem that there is an issue that needs resolving here particularly when you consider that if there is any after service required, like a problem with the set top boxes, be it GOTV, Startimes, Safaricom etc you return them for service to the respective platform owner. Which raises the question, given that we have a Universal Service Fund to which Telcos/Broadcaster/Network operators contribute to which is meant to facilitate access to Information and Communication Technology to all, why can't this Fund be used to subsidize access to these FTA channels to those who wish to have them? The CA should consider shielding viewers who want to have FTA channels from other incidental costs by reimbursing platform owners for the cost implications of the "Must-carry" rule. My two cents. JG

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Re: [kictanet] CAN USF BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE FTA TRANSMISSION
by ngethe.kariuki2007 09 Jun '15

09 Jun '15

If there is any payment whatsoever, then it ceases to be FTA. John Kariuki. Sent from Samsung Mobile -------- Original message -------- From: James Mbugua via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: To: ngethe.kariuki2007(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: James Mbugua <jgmbugua(a)gmail.com> Subject: [kictanet] CAN USF BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE FTA TRANSMISSION Listers, Recently, Multichoice has indicated that it may need FTA users of its GOTV service to pay a small annual maintenance fee to cover the cost of transmission. This issue has repeatedly raised hackles because, licensed pay-TV providers like GOTV and Startimes are also required by law to carry FTA channels, the "Must-carry" rule. It is not clear who is supposed to cater for the cost of this transmission. Typically, FTA analogue transmission costs were recouped through advertising. So it would seem that there is an issue that needs resolving here particularly when you consider that if there is any after service required, like a problem with the set top boxes, be it GOTV, Startimes, Safaricom etc you return them for service to the respective platform owner. Which raises the question, given that we have a Universal Service Fund to which Telcos/Broadcaster/Network operators contribute to which is meant to facilitate access to Information and Communication Technology to all, why can't this Fund be used to subsidize access to these FTA channels to those who wish to have them? The CA should consider shielding viewers who want to have FTA channels from other incidental costs by reimbursing platform owners for the cost implications of the "Must-carry" rule. My two cents. JG

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Mombasa Internet traffic re-routed to Nairobi hub
by cdohnio 09 Jun '15

09 Jun '15

---- *Mombasa Internet traffic re-routed to Nairobi hub* <http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/Mombasa-Internet-traffic-…> // *Business Daily* <http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate-News/Mombasa-Internet-traffic-…> Internet traffic to Mombasa and parts of Tanzania will be routed through Nairobi after the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) and a Kenyan telecoms lobby group closed Kenya’s second Internet Exchange Point (IXP) that was based in Mombasa. ---- Shared via *my feedly reader* <http://feedly.com>

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya IGF July 31, 2015
by cdohnio 08 Jun '15

08 Jun '15

I'd like to say that I like the order that Michael suggested, for me though I'm particularly interested in the discussions on Openness and Inclusiveness and diversity. All the best, princelySid *Twitter:* @princelySid | *Website: *cdohnio.blogspot.com

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10 days left to apply for Citizen Lab Summer Institute
by Mose Karanja 08 Jun '15

08 Jun '15

Listers, The Citizen Lab Summer Institute on Monitoring Internet Openness and Rights is a series of intensive research workshops hosted annually at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto. The 2015 Citizen Lab Summer Institute (CLSI) will be held at the University of Toronto from June 24 to 26, 2015. The workshop will bring together participants from across a range of academic disciplines and practitioner communities. Building on our 2013 <https://citizenlab.org/summerinstitute/2013.html> and 2014 <https://citizenlab.org/summerinstitute/2014.html> Summer Institutes, the Institute will be convening to learn how censorship, circumvention, and surveillance may have changed over the past year, what new developments are possible to research information controls, and whether there are trends to the development of information control and freedom tools and policies. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2015. Find more here <http://goo.gl/z2uIei>. -- Mose Karanja +254 724 162536 | @Mose_Karanja <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja> PGP: 0604 3438 218F B62D 38E4 09DE FD15 D21D 1529 552F <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja>

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FW: [isoc_ke] Kenya IGF July 31, 2015
by Grace Githaiga 08 Jun '15

08 Jun '15

Thank you so much Moses. This is what participation is all about. Keep up the spirit. It looks good. However Grace Bomu and Mwendwa Kivuva are handling this component. Please Grace and Kivuva, look at the link Moses has developed and make a decision. As soon as you do, kindly share on the lists. WarmlyGG From: mosekaranja(a)gmail.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2015 01:11:30 +0300 Subject: Re: [isoc_ke] Kenya IGF July 31, 2015 To: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com See this: https://goo.gl/R89j39 A quick form I did to help organise response. On 8 June 2015 at 00:45, Grace Githaiga via isoc <isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke> wrote: Dear Listers Good morning. As you are aware, two years ago, KICTANet handed over the function of organizing the Kenya IGF to ISOC-K, a task that the Chapter executed well. However, the chapter is in the process of electing new leadership and a request was made to KICTANet to organize the 2015 Kenya IGF. Accordingly, Friday July 31st2015, has been identified as the day for this event which will take place at the Stanley.Kindly diarize this date. The Global theme for this year is “Evolution of Internet Governance: Empowering Sustainable Development”. This theme will be supported by eight sub-themes namely: 1. Cybersecurity and Trust; 2. Internet Economy; 3. Inclusiveness and Diversity; 4. Openness; 5. Enhancing Multistakeholder Cooperation; 6. Internet and Human Rights; 7. Critical Internet Resources; 8. Emerging Issues. 9. Enhancing working partnerships between stakeholders (Multistakeholderism). We would like to focus on 4 or 5 of these themes, or even include topics that we think are important to this country but may not be on the global list. Further, the event is scheduled for a day and it is important that we focus on a few topics which will allow for meaningful discussion(s). Once we agree on the topics, as is the tradition, we will hold an online moderated debate which will then result in the f2f KIGF. And so in the spirit of participation, we are requesting you to please help us prioritize the topics by voting for 4 to 5 out of the list by this coming Friday (June 12). This will guide us with the overall planning namely the program, speakers, questions for the online debate etc. Thank you and looking forward to your active participation. Rgds GG for the team. (Grace Bomu, Liz Orembo, Victor Kapiyo, Mwendwa Kivuva, Barrack Otieno, Davis Onsakia and Ali Hussein). _______________________________________________ isoc mailing list isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/isoc -- Mose Karanja+254 724 162536 | @Mose_Karanja PGP: 0x1529552F

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Re: [kictanet] FW: [isoc_ke] Kenya IGF July 31, 2015
by riva＠article19.org 08 Jun '15

08 Jun '15

Dear Grace, To do away with two, we could merge themes 3 (inclusiveness and diversity) and 4 (openness) as they seem similar. Likewise with themes 5 (enhancing multistakeholder cooperation) and 9 (multikstakeholderism). Regards, Riva From: "Grace Githaiga via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> To: riva(a)article19.org Cc: "Grace Githaiga" <ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, June 8, 2015 1:23:59 AM Subject: [kictanet] FW: [isoc_ke] Kenya IGF July 31, 2015 Thank you so much Moses. This is what participation is all about. Keep up the spirit. It looks good. However Grace Bomu and Mwendwa Kivuva are handling this component. Please Grace and Kivuva, look at the link Moses has developed and make a decision. As soon as you do, kindly share on the lists. Warmly GG From: mosekaranja(a)gmail.com Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2015 01:11:30 +0300 Subject: Re: [isoc_ke] Kenya IGF July 31, 2015 To: ggithaiga(a)hotmail.com See this: https://goo.gl/R89j39 A quick form I did to help organise response. On 8 June 2015 at 00:45, Grace Githaiga via isoc < isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke > wrote: Dear Listers Good morning. As you are aware, two years ago, KICTANet handed over the function of organizing the Kenya IGF to ISOC-K, a task that the Chapter executed well. However, the chapter is in the process of electing new leadership and a request was made to KICTANet to organize the 2015 Kenya IGF. Accordingly, Friday July 31 st 2015 , has been identified as the day for this event which will take place at the Stanley. Kindly diarize this date. The Global theme for this year is “Evolution of Internet Governance: Empowering Sustainable Development” . This theme will be supported by eight sub-themes namely: 1. Cybersecurity and Trust; 2. Internet Economy; 3. Inclusiveness and Diversity; 4. Openness; 5. Enhancing Multistakeholder Cooperation; 6. Internet and Human Rights; 7. Critical Internet Resources; 8. Emerging Issues. 9. Enhancing working partnerships between stakeholders (Multistakeholderism). We would like to focus on 4 or 5 of these themes, or even include topics that we think are important to this country but may not be on the global list. Further, the event is scheduled for a day and it is important that we focus on a few topics which will allow for meaningful discussion(s). Once we agree on the topics, as is the tradition, we will hold an online moderated debate which will then result in the f2f KIGF. And so in the spirit of participation, we are requesting you to please help us prioritize the topics by voting for 4 to 5 out of the list by this coming Friday (June 12). This will guide us with the overall planning namely the program, speakers, questions for the online debate etc. Thank you and looking forward to your active participation. Rgds GG for the team. (Grace Bomu, Liz Orembo, Victor Kapiyo, Mwendwa Kivuva, Barrack Otieno, Davis Onsakia and Ali Hussein). _______________________________________________ isoc mailing list isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/isoc -- Mose Karanja +254 724 162536 | @Mose_Karanja PGP: 0x1529552F _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/riva%40article19.org 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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Fw: [rpd] Policy Development Working Group: New Co-Chairs selected
by Walubengo J 07 Jun '15

07 Jun '15

Meanwhile, in other and perhaps more important news, one Barry Macharia (of KIXP) was appointed co-chair of the policy development working group. This is the group that deliberates and adopts how the IP resources will be used and dished out in Africa. Congrats Barry. Thanx for stepping up and getting voted. regards. walu. ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Ernest <ernest(a)afrinic.net> To: AfriNIC Resource Policy Discussion List <rpd(a)afrinic.net> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2015 7:35 PM Subject: [rpd] Policy Development Working Group: New Co-Chairs selected All, During the AFRINIC-22 Public Policy Meeting held in Tunisia on 03 June 2015, the Policy Development Working Group (PDWG) reappointed Seun Ojedeji for another 2-year tenure (June 2015 - 2017) as its co-Chair. Consequent to the resignation of one of the co-chairs before completion of tenure, the PDWG appointed Barry Apudo Macharia to complete the remaining tenure that expires in June 2016. Congratulations to Barry and Seun. regards, ernest. _______________________________________________ rpd mailing list rpd(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/rpd

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Re: [kictanet] Do our youth choose Internet over food?
by Paul Korir 05 Jun '15

05 Jun '15

I think the report is trying to say: “…if Kenyans were to pay for being online they would be spending 45% of their earning…” not: “…on average, Kenyans spend 45% of their income on getting online…”. Furthermore, the same article cites that “...60% of Kenyans use the Internet regularly”. I find these stats very hard to believe. A lot more detail is needed to demonstrate this to be the case. Paul Korir, PhD +353 86 224 1966 +254 72 400 4767 Ordnung muß sein > On 4 Jun 2015, at 11:00, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Re: [kictanet] Do our youth choose Internet over food?

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