- KICTANet - KICTANet

[Fwd: [governance] Two outrageous stories of so-called "intellectual property protection"]
by alice 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

Check this out.... -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [governance] Two outrageous stories of so-called "intellectual property protection" Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:20:53 -0400 From: George Sadowsky <george.sadowsky(a)attglobal.net> Reply-To: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org,George Sadowsky <george.sadowsky(a)attglobal.net> To: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org The two patents APPROVED this month are described below below. It's truly remarkable that such giants of of the information industry can make such unbelievable leaps into the future. I first thought that these were clever jokes. They are not. If you don't believe them, check them in: http://patft.uspto.gov/ http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fneta… http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2F… or just Google the patent numbers for some interesting commentary. Then take action to demand a complete overhaul of the patent system. George ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AWARDED TO IBM! On Tuesday,* IBM* was granted US Patent No. 7,407,089 for storing a preference for* paper* or* plastic* grocery bags on customer cards and displaying a picture of said preference after a card is scanned. The invention, Big Blue explains, eliminates the 'unnecessary inconvenience for both the customer and the cashier' that results when '*Paper* or* Plastic*?' must be asked. The patent claims also cover affixing a cute sticker of a* paper* or* plastic* bag to a customer card to indicate packaging preferences. AWARDED TO MICROSOFT! United States Patent 7,415,666 Sellers , et al. August 19, 2008 Method and system for navigating paginated content in page-based increments Abstract A method and system in a document viewer for scrolling a substantially exact increment in a document, such as one page, regardless of whether the zoom is such that some, all or one page is currently being viewed. In one implementation, pressing a Page Down or Page Up keyboard key/button allows a user to begin at any starting vertical location within a page, and navigate to that same location on the next or previous page. For example, if a user is viewing a page starting in a viewing area from the middle of that page and ending at the bottom, a Page Down command will cause the next page to be shown in the viewing area starting at the middle of the next page and ending at the bottom of the next page. Similar behavior occurs when there is more than one column of pages being displayed in a row. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ George Sadowsky george.sadowsky(a)gmail.com 2182 Birch Way george.sadowsky(a)attglobal.net Woodstock, VT 05091-8155 http://www.georgesadowsky.org/ tel: +1._802_.457.3370 GSM mobile: +1._202_.415.1933 Voice mail & fax: +1._203_.547.6020 Grand Central: +1._202_.370.7734 SKYPE: sadowsky ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance(a)lists.cpsr.org To be removed from the list, send any message to: governance-unsubscribe(a)lists.cpsr.org For all list information and functions, see: http://lists.cpsr.org/lists/info/governance

1 0

Day 4 of 10:- IG Discussions, Internet Security.
by John Walubengo 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

Morning all, Looks like very little response on yesterday's topic...where's Waudo formerly WGIG member? Nway, today's IG theme is the one with the most consensus across all stakeholders. The fact that the internet is becoming a place to place to work, live, pray or play is widely acknowledged and hence the consensus on the need to protect it. The global and borderless nature of the Internet means that a secure internet needs a concerted global effort as earlier mentioned by Brian. A very secure US-territoial Internet is of no use if for example the Africa-territorial Internet is insecure since phising attacks, viruses, spam, eFrauds and other destabilizing conditions can be launched from there. Spam for example is known to constitute over 60% of email traffic on the Internet, which is a fairly significant chunk of Internet Bandwidth and Server Processing power going to waste. The main internet security debate that cross-cuts into legal/social baskets often centers around: I) How the Internet Protocol (IP) could be improved so as to trace-back the origin of the Spammers, eFraudsters, and other criminals. This may demand implementing IP tools that require all internet services (email, dns, web, etc) to be digitally signed - a feature that would come with some overheads (Mich could again assist here on which overheads these could be) II) The Jurisdiction and Arbitration of eCriminals e.g. How would one resolve a case where a Kenyan ISP is hosting an eCommerce site that sells content that is declared illegal in Germany (e.g Hitler's paraphanallia). Can/Should the Germans shut down the Kenyan business site? III) The delicate balance between pursing security and respecting citizen rights. To what extent should governments go into private emails, phone-logs, etc, in order to safeguard national security? Or what should be the mandatory procedures required of Businesses to safeguard sensitive electronic data of citizens? Plse feel free to add, clarify, object or modify the above. More importantly think of what would be an E.African position on the issues. As usual, 1day on this theme. walu.

6 6

Re: [kictanet] Day 9 of 10:-IGF Discussion, Socio-Cultural Issues
by mwende njiraini 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

Great! Is Google East Africa tracking the utilisation of http://www.google.co.tz? I believe the statistics would provide information on the demand for kiswahili on the internet. Kind regards Mwende Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own. On 8/21/08, Joseph Mucheru <jmucheru(a)google.com> wrote: > > Just for your information we just launched the http://www.google.co.tzdomain yesterday with Swahili as the default language. We are also hiring > Luganda experts and this is just the start. > > -- Joe Mucheru > +254722522135 > Google East Africa > Sent from my iPhone > > On Aug 21, 2008, at 8:36 AM, "mwende njiraini" <mwende.njiraini(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > > > Morning! > > > > Today we move to the final topic of our discussions: Socio-cultural issues. > > > > > The internet is increasingly being utilized as a means to deliver essential > services including health (Telemedicine), education (e-learning) and > governance (e-government services). This has lead to concerns that many > may not take advantage of these developments due to socio-cultural issues > such as language and other cultural barriers. > > > > The English language continues to dominate the internet ( > http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats7.htm) however there are several > successful initiatives that have enabled the use of other languages. Indeed, > the Tunis agenda encouraged the realization of multilingualism leading to > discussions on domain name management, access to local content, and > protection of cultural diversity. > > > > Kiswahili was recently voted an official language by the African Union, and > there are already several initiatives that seek to introduce Kiswahili on > the internet. With appropriate policies and incentives the internet can > become a cultural platform specifically for the preservation of language. In > your view is the use of the internet an effective means of language and > cultural preservation? > > > > Again, you are encouraged to contribute to previous discussion threads. > > > > Kind regards > > Mwende > > > > > > > > Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: mucheru(a)google.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/mucheru%40google.com > > >

7 13

Unified license takes effect in Kenya]
by alice 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

Apologies for breaking the "rhythm" but this has IG implications as well :-) best alice Unified license takes effect in Kenya By Rebecca Wanjiku , IDG News Service , 08/20/2008 The much awaited unified license has taken effect in Kenya after the Ministry of Information and Communication issued new policy guidelines aimed at streamlining license requirements and attracting more investors. The guidelines, revealed in this week's Kenya Gazette notice, drop the multiple licensing regime where services were grouped on the basis of technology. ISPs (Internet service providers), for instance, were formerly required to obtain a separate license to offer VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol). Don't Miss! Read the latest WhitePaper - The Rise of USB in the Data CenterUnder the new license regime, operators and service providers will be licensed under three broad market segments: network facilities providers, application service providers and content service providers. The modified licenses will retain the original terms to give operators time to transfer to the new regime. Network facility providers will own communication infrastructure based on either satellite, terrestrial, mobile or fixed lines. There are three tiers of providers under this category: fixed line network operators; data carrier network operators; and network facilities providers, including local loop providers, international gateway operators and companies providing fiber optic cable landing facilities. Content service provider licensees will provide information and data processing services and include premium rate and credit card validation service providers The unified license policy guidelines were developed after complaints by industry players that the Communications Commission of Kenya required too many licenses and was not taking into consideration issues of convergence in the ICT sector. The guidelines stipulate that the CCK will regulate the adoption of the new licenses and the smooth transition of companies that may hold more than one license. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082008-unified-license-takes- <http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/082008-unified-license-takes-> effect-in.html __._,_.___ __,_._,___

3 2

Day 9 of 10:-IGF Discussion, Socio-Cultural Issues
by mwende njiraini 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

Morning! Today we move to the final topic of our discussions: Socio-cultural issues. The internet is increasingly being utilized as a means to deliver essential services including health (Telemedicine), education (e-learning) and governance (e-government services). This has lead to concerns that many may not take advantage of these developments due to socio-cultural issues such as language and other cultural barriers. The English language continues to dominate the internet ( http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats7.htm) however there are several successful initiatives that have enabled the use of other languages. Indeed, the Tunis agenda encouraged the realization of multilingualism leading to discussions on domain name management, access to local content, and protection of cultural diversity. Kiswahili was recently voted an official language by the African Union, and there are already several initiatives that seek to introduce Kiswahili on the internet. With appropriate policies and incentives the internet can become a cultural platform specifically for the preservation of language. In your view is the use of the internet an effective means of language and cultural preservation? Again, you are encouraged to contribute to previous discussion threads. Kind regards Mwende Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own

1 0

Day 7 of 10:-IGF Discussion, Economic Issues
by mwende njiraini 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

Morning!! Thank you all for your contribution to various aspects of internet governance. Today we start our discussions on economic issues. The internet is increasingly playing a critical role in economic development specifically in facilitating international trade. The economic issues therefore basically relate to the framework that makes e-commerce possible. The participation of developing countries in e-commerce is limited by the lack the appropriate legislation, authentication technologies and electronic payment methods. The main limitation however is the lack of appropriate legislation that is essential in the protection of consumers in relation to confidentiality, misleading advertising and delivery of faulty products. In your view, who should be responsible for protection of the consumer in light of the fact that the national legislation may be faced with the limitation of jurisdiction? Given that mobile services are available to the majority, should developing countries concentrate their efforts in enabling m-commerce to overcome the challenges of e-commerce? What private sector initiatives are there in e-commerce particularly in e-Payments? Looking forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Mwende Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own

6 6

Day 8 of 10:-IGF Discussion, Economic Issues
by mwende njiraini 21 Aug '08

21 Aug '08

Morning, Today we continue our discussions on economic issues. As the internet becomes critical to global trade, there is debate as to whether governments should expand their tax base to include internet transactions. Internationally there have been proposals for the introduction of e-taxation based on the "Ottawa principles" of destination and origin taxation. Under the destination principle supplies of goods and services are taxed in the jurisdiction in which the goods and services are consumed. This means that exports are zero-rated, while imports are taxed. On the other hand under the origin principle supplies are taxed according to their origin. This means that exports are taxed but imports are not taxed. In your view what principle should be adopted in relation to e-commerce for developing countries? Should the internet be a tax-free zone or have special taxation treatment? You are encouraged to contribute to previous discussion threads. Reference: 1. Internet Governance: Economic Issues Available at: http://textus.diplomacy.edu/textusbin/env/scripts/Pool/GetBin.asp?IDPool=62… August 2008] 2. Options for Taxing Imported Services. Available at: http://taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/publications/files/html/gstimported/c4.html[Ac… August 2008] Disclaimer: These comments are the author's own

2 1

[Fwd: [Apc.africa] Web designers in Africa]
by alice 20 Aug '08

20 Aug '08

Any takers? -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Apc.africa] Web designers in Africa Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:22:36 +0200 From: Jennifer Radloff <jenny(a)apcwomen.org> Reply-To: APC Africa list <apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org> To: apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org CC: m.Ibrahim(a)ids.ac.uk Greetings everyone, I received an email below which you may be able to assist with. If so, please contact Maggie Ibrahim directly on email: m.Ibrahim(a)ids.ac.uk Best, Jenny ------------------ We need to create a new website for Climate Change Adaptation in Africa and we would like the site and designers to be from there. Could you recommend some designers you might have worked with and have delivered well. I would greatly appreciate it. Sincerely, Maggie Maggie Ibrahim Research Officer Climate Change Development Group Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex Brighton BN1 9RE E-mail: m.ibrahim(a)ids.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1273 915801 Fax: +44 (0)1273 621202/691647 Web: www.ids.ac.uk _______________________________________________ Apc.africa mailing list Apc.africa(a)lists.apc.org http://lists.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/apc.africa

2 1

Re: [kictanet] Join Jeffrey Sachs Now - Young Professionals and the Millennium Development Goals - Keynote Address, IYPS 2008 Virtual Summit
by Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro 20 Aug '08

20 Aug '08

Join the IYPS Virtual Summit for Jeffrey Sachs now http://www.ice.org.uk/lectures Jeffrey Sachs - Young Professionals and the Millennium Development Goals Keynote Address - IYPS 2008 Virtual Summit Prof Jeffrey Sachs, Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University & Director of the UN Millennium Project will deliver a keynote address on the role of young professionals in achieving the MDGs by 2015. Prof Sachs will be presenting via videolink up. Wed 20 August, 8:45am for 9am start, through to 10am [GMT +1] IYPS 2008 Team 'building a better world' International Young Professionals Summit Aug 19 - 23 2008, Manchester ++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++ Join the International Young Professionals Foundation http://www.iypf. org/membership. htm ++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++ International Young Professionals Foundation Cameron Neil Chief Executive Officer 0402 072 452 cameronneil@ iypf.org www.iyps.org www.iypf.org Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro Director, Chair FWG constancewalyaro(a)iypf.org www.iyps.org www.iypf.org --- On Mon, 18/8/08, Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro <constance(a)youthaidscoalition.org> wrote: From: Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro <constance(a)youthaidscoalition.org> Subject: Re: [kictanet] IYPS 2008 Virtual Summit To: constance(a)youthaidscoalition.org Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Monday, 18 August, 2008, 4:30 PM Dear colleagues As of Tuesday 19th August, the 3rd International Young Professionals Summit is commencing in Manchester , UK . For the first time, through the sponsorship and support of the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), we are able to bring you a Virtual Summit to allow those who cannot be in Manchester to both listen in to and participate in some of the IYPS 2008 sessions. We are really excited about the possibilities of the technology to broaden participation and provide a wider learning experience for young professionals globally. Attached are the details for how to participate. There are really 3 key steps: 1. Download and install the software 2. Set up your computer 3. Go to www.ice.org. uk/lectures to see what events are on, and when, and then join each event from 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time! Read the attached document for further details. Note that there are 2 training sessions on Monday 18 August – details from the ICE link. We look forward to your participation! PS if you are any where around Manchester , you should check out www..iyps.org to see all the public events during the Summit that you can join as well. Cameron Neil & IYPS 2008 Team International Young Professionals Summit Aug 19 - 23 2008, Manchester ++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++ Join the International Young Professionals Foundation http://www.iypf. org/membership. htm ++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++ International Young Professionals Foundation Cameron Neil Chief Executive Officer 0402 072 452 cameronneil@ iypf.org www.iyps.org www.iypf.org Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro Director, Chair FWG constancewalyaro(a)iypf.org www.iyps.org www.iypf.org Kind regards, Connie Constance Georgina Khaendi Walyaro constance@youthaidscoalition .org Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS [GYCA] TASK FORCE M +254 722 937102 T +254 020 2116338 F +44 87 1253 2410 www.youthaidscoalition.org Riverside Drive , Nairobi Kenya Citron Wood Foundation [CWF] President connie(a)citronwoodfoundation.org www.citronwoodfdnorg Oxfam IYP [OIYP] Action Partner www.iyp.oxfam.org International Young Professionals Foundation [IYPF] Director constancewalyaro(a)iypf.org www.iypf.org 'youth building a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world' OIYP …………..as long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest. Alleviating poverty is not an act of charity. It is an act of duty. Nelson Mandela The young leaders who gather for the second sitting of the Oxfam International Youth Parliament (OIYP) ......... come from every corner of the Globe and each of them has something unique to contribute. In their diversity they are united by common ideals. They are determined to work together to bring real change where it is needed most in the world. KOFI ANNAN, Former UN Secretary General Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

1 0

Fwd: Reading into the FUTURE
by Bill Kagai 20 Aug '08

20 Aug '08

MediaCorp (c) Empowering Investors** On June 16th 2008 at 20.43, MediaCorp Stock Detectives wrote; - A new area of interest could be the *Railways* where the Government seems not happy with the Concessionaire. RVR has been asked to improve service but we read the Government looking for ways of getting itself out of the mess which is a good area to monitor. The *Government of Japan* has given a confirmed grant of *Kshs 20 Billion to modernise the port* which includes dredging to accommodate bigger vessels. *A package comprising the Railway and the Port could prove to be very lucrative if the Public Private Partnership framework is put in place.* Opportunity abounds here. Today, 20th August 2008, the Business Daily wrote; · The running of Kenya Railways may revert to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as Kenya and Uganda start pondering alternative plans should the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) concession fail to achieve desired results. Under the proposal gaining currency in government circles, Kenya Railways would become a department or subsidiary of KPA. http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9462&Item…

1 0