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Kenya IGF 2024: Postponed
by David Indeje 26 Jun '24

26 Jun '24

Dear Listers, We have postponed the Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2024. The ongoing protests highlight the need for a more inclusive approach to digital policy. We're not stepping back; we're leaning in. We are committed to hearing all voices, especially those most impacted by digital policy decisions. Stay tuned for a new date - we'll be back stronger, ensuring an inclusive and representative forum. Together, let's bridge divides and build a brighter digital future for all. #KeIGF2024 https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-igf-2024-postponed-reshaping-the-conversat… By KIGF MAG & KICTANet.

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Kenya's 2024 Internet Shutdown: An Analysis
by Mwendwa Kivuva 26 Jun '24

26 Jun '24

Kenya experienced its first significant internet shutdown on June 25, 2024, starting around 5:00 pm and lasting until approximately 12:30 am on June 26, 2024. Depending on who you ask, some services are still struggling indicating the possibility of more trottling. This shutdown coincided with the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests, which saw unprecedented participation from the youth of Kenya.During the Internet shutdown, major networks such as Safaricom's 5G, 4G, and fiber services were affected. Neighboring landlocked countries that rely on undersea cables terminating at Kenya's coast, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, also experienced connectivity issues.Despite prior assurances from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) <https://x.com/CA_Kenya/status/1805311316719993274> that there would be no internet shutdown, the disruption occurred, raising several critical questions.Discussion Points: 1. Cause of the Shutdown: - What were the reasons behind the internet shutdown? Was it a deliberate act by the government? - How credible are the claims by ISPs like Safaricom <https://x.com/SafaricomPLC/status/1805615681951375595> that the disruptions were due to issues with undersea cables? 2. Extent and Impact: - Which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were involved in the shutdown? Were there differences in the extent of the disruption across different ISPs? - How did the shutdown affect essential services such as mobile payment systems (e.g., M-PESA) and emergency services? 3. Authority and Orders: - Who gave the orders for the shutdown? Was there any official documentation or communication from the government or regulatory bodies? - What role did the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) play during the shutdown, and how did their actions align with their prior statements? 4. Technical and Legal Implications: - What measurement tools and probes were used by techies to understand the extent of the shutdown? What were the findings? - How does this shutdown align with Kenya's constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and access to information? 5. Regional Impact: - How did the shutdown in Kenya affect neighboring countries that rely on its internet infrastructure? - What measures can be taken to prevent such widespread disruptions in the future? The internet shutdown in Kenya has significant implications for digital rights, economic activities, and regional connectivity. It is crucial to conduct a thorough postmortem to understand the causes, impacts, and preventive measures to ensure such disruptions do not recur. It is important to note that KICTAnet and other partners <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/joint-statement-a-call-against-internet-shutdown…> issued a statement urging the government to #KeepItOn just a day before the event. Best Regards, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Kenya Youth IGF 2024, June 26, 2024
by Keith Andere 26 Jun '24

26 Jun '24

Dear Listers, Good morning, We are excited to have yet another Kenya IGF Week and as part of the IGF processes, the Kenya Youth IGF will be happening tomorrow. On behalf of the Kenya Youth IGF multi-stakeholder advisory group, I would like to extend a warm invitation to the Gen Z and those young at heart to the forum tomorrow. We have lined up some awesome sessions and amazing speakers that you would not want to miss. Connect on the link below https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Nu7iqENoS3ehn-jOCiCnXw See you all tomorrow -- *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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Urgent: Call to Preserve Digital Rights During #RejectFinanceBill2024 Protests.
by Neema Mujesia 25 Jun '24

25 Jun '24

Dear Listers, In collaboration with Paradigm Initiative, CIPESA, and the Internet Society Kenya Chapter, we urge the Kenyan government to avoid implementing internet shutdowns or information controls in response to the ongoing #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests. Such actions would violate Kenya's fundamental rights and freedoms and harm Kenya's economy, democracy, and international reputation. The #FinanceBill2024 has faced significant opposition, highlighting the importance of open communication. We call on the government to uphold democratic values, engage transparently with demonstrators, and maintain open lines of communication to support Kenya's democratic and economic progress. ➡️ Read the full joint press statement here: https://tinyurl.com/bddvjtr #KeepItOn #TotalShutdownKenya 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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Kenyan Youth Leverage Social Media for Powerful Resistance Against Finance Bill 2024
by David Indeje 24 Jun '24

24 Jun '24

Dear Listers,Social media and messaging apps are playing a critical role in mobilizing the Kenyan youth against the Finance Bill 2024. Platforms like x, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have been instrumental in raising awareness, fostering a sense of community, and coordinating protest efforts. This success highlights the transformative potential of digital activism in today's interconnected world. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/rejectfinancebill2024-trends-how-kenyan-youth-le…> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> ______________________________________

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Re: Airtel to Rival Safaricom and Zuku With New Home Internet
by Angela Minayo 21 Jun '24

21 Jun '24

Will be interesting to see how this changes the Home internet market. You can read more here: https://allafrica.com/stories/202406120519.html?utm_campaign=daily-headline… Best Regards, *Angela Minayo Kidiavai*

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Should KRA Bypass Privacy Laws to Collect Taxes?
by David Indeje 20 Jun '24

20 Jun '24

Dear Listers, Kenyan lawmakers are debating the finance Bill 2024 that would exempt the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from the Data Protection Act. This means KRA could access your data, like mobile money records, without a warrant. *Why is this a problem?* 1. Privacy Violation: This bypasses your right to data privacy enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. 2. Unfair Assumptions: KRA might assume all mobile money transactions are taxable income, leading to harassment of innocent citizens. 3. Slippery Slope: This sets a precedent for other government agencies to seek similar exemptions, weakening data protection overall. What should Lawmakers prioritize? <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/should-kra-bypass-privacy-laws-to-collect-taxes/> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/18428106/admin/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> ______________________________________

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Facebook Post Flagged as Spam
by Mutemi wa Kiama 19 Jun '24

19 Jun '24

Dear Listers and the Facebook Policy Team, Why is the following post being flagged as Spam by Facebook and WhatsApp and taken down from Facebook upon posting? *Jerome Ogola isn't your ordinary journalist. His political satire transcends the laughs and digs deep into the core of societal issues, educating his readers about their rights, good governance, and the importance of holding leadership accountable. His eloquence in Lingala, a self-taught triumph, and his love for Benga music enrich his narratives, painting a vivid picture of a culture-rich Kenya.#UtuNaUzalendoKEhttps://youtu.be/uJaV5d5GbRs <https://youtu.be/uJaV5d5GbRs>* This is beyond ridiculous! Warm regards, Mũtemi wa Kĩama *Co-Chair, Africans Rising Coordinating Collective* *Dream Weaver, Mzalendo Halisi Foundation* *Team Captain, This Is Africa: https://thisisafrica.me <https://thisisafrica.me>* Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! *-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* *Mzalendo Halisi Foundation* *Public Intellectual, Social Justice *& Social Accountability *Entrepreneur, Strategic Planning & Organizational Development* *Facilitator, Strategic * *Communications,** Movement Building Coach, Human Rights Defender, * *#DevolutionIsRevolution Champion.* https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-mutemi-wa-kiama-1aa51615/ Sauti Ya Wanjiku Social Movement www.sautiyawanjiku.com https://www.facebook.com/wanjikurevolutionkenya https://twitter.com/WanjikuRevolt https://twitter.com/MutemiWaKiama http://www.scribd.com/wmkenya "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." *~Margaret Mead*

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Fwd: [NRIs List] IGF 2024 Youth Track Launch 17 June!
by Barrack Otieno 16 Jun '24

16 Jun '24

Listers, For those following the Youth IGF. This might be of interest to you. Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Anja Gengo <anja.gengo(a)un.org> Date: Fri, Jun 14, 2024 at 8:29 PM Subject: [NRIs List] IGF 2024 Youth Track Launch 17 June! To: Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org <igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> *The IGF 2024 Youth Track <https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024-youth-track> takes off this Monday, 17 June, at 14:30 UTC+3 at EuroDIG <https://www.eurodig.org/> in Vilnius, Lithuania, and online!* *▫▫▫* All are invited to join the first capacity development workshop in the AI-themed track, focused on “AI and Threats: New strategies to detect AI-generated political deepfakes” <https://eurodigwiki.org/wiki/IGF_2024_Youth_Track_%E2%80%93_AI_and_Threats:…> *▫▫▫* Hear from experts from YOUthDIG, Meta, Cgi.br, Council of Europe and more! *REGISTER HERE <https://www.eurodig.org/get-involved/register-2024/> * _______________________________________________ Igfregionals mailing list Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org To unsubscribe or manage your options please go to http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/igfregionals_intgovforum.org -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] DCAD Session at EuroDig--The European Accessibility Act: a Model for a More Accessible Digital Europe--Monday June 17 8 UTC
by Barrack Otieno 16 Jun '24

16 Jun '24

Listers, Might be of interest for those following Internet issues touching on accessibility. Thank you Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Judith Hellerstein via InternetPolicy <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Date: Fri, Jun 14, 2024 at 10:44 PM Subject: [Internet Policy] DCAD Session at EuroDig--The European Accessibility Act: a Model for a More Accessible Digital Europe--Monday June 17 8 UTC To: Internet Society Accessibility SIG in formation < a11ysig(a)lists.a11ysig.org>, <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Dear All, I hope you will all join us at our Eurodig session Monday, June 17 at 8:00 UTC, 10 CET time. To watch the session, you need to be registered for the EuroDig. This can be done on this link.-- https://www.eurodig.org/get-involved/register-2024/ We will have human captioning and these can be found here, https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=CFI-EuroDig Hope you enjoy Judith The European Accessibility Act: a Model for a More Accessible Digital Europe *by Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability* 17 June 2024 | 10:00 - 11:00 EEST | WS room 1 *Consolidated programme 2024* <https://eurodigwiki.org/wiki/Consolidated_programme_2024#pre03_24> Session teaser The IGF Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD) facilitates interaction and ensures that ICT accessibility is included in the key debates around Internet Governance to build a future where all sectors of the global community have equal access to the Information Society. DCAD brings together key stakeholders from the technical community, civil society, government policymakers, regulators, and corporate and individual adopters, with the shared goal of accessibility. Our goal has always been to ensure that the Internet and its benefits are fully and equally accessible to and independently usable by persons with disabilities, so they can acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services within the same timeframe as individuals without disabilities, with substantially equivalent ease of use. There are many types of disabilities from cognitive disabilities, visual disabilities, and hearing disabilities are just a few. We work with people across the spectrum to provide them with access to and the needs they desire to become active members of the Internet Governance ecosystem. DCAD focuses on these core principles: affordability, accessibility, usability, and availability for persons with disabilities or specific needs. Accessible technology can be a game changer for persons with disabilities. In this vein, we have been working within the Internet Governance community to promote public interest in and knowledge of the necessity for accessibility for persons with disability and encourage enlightened accessibility measures worldwide. Session description The European Accessibility Act took effect in April 2019. The Act's goals are to improve the trade between members of the EU for accessible products and services, by removing country-specific rules. This law was built to complement the EU's Web Accessibility Directive of 2016 and includes a wide range of systems including personal devices such as computers, smartphones, e-books, and TVs, as well as public services like television broadcasts, ATMs, ticketing machines, public transport services, banking services and e-commerce sites that must be accessible to persons of disabilities. This session will focus on how well several European organizations are living up to these goals and making the EU as accessible as possible. The session will be moderated by Dr. Olivier Crepin-Leblond and by Dr. Mohammed Shabbir, the Coordinator of DCAD. Olivier will open the session and provide an overview of this session while Dr. Shabbir will provide an overview of the DCAD. Speakers: - Vilmantas Balčikonis will share the views on what is important in implementing the European Accessibility Act from an end-user perspective. He will also talk about the uncertainties in implementing requirements stemming from EAA and attempt to address some of them. - Lidia Best, President of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH), will speak about the efforts of the EU Federation of Hard of Hearing People to ensure equitable treatment and participation in health, education, jobs, and other professions. - Giacomo Mazzone, EDMO Advisory Board, and EuroDig Board Member will speak about the implementation of this Act in Media and Journalism and also talk about the work of the European Audiovisual Observatory - Indre Jurgelioniene, Chief Advisor at the Lithuanian Communications Regulatory Authority and Co-Chair of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) End-User Working Group will speak about the implementation of the ACT from the BEREC perspective, provide an overview of the national legislation related to accessibility, and provide some insight into the challenges they have faced in implementing the Act and the solutions found to overcome the challenges. Format Pre-events should give the opportunity to create synergies with 3rd parties i.e. Dynamic Coalitions, Partners. No session principles apply. They are held on day zero in parallel to setting up the venue for EuroDIG. We provide limited technical support. Let us know here what you want to do. Further reading - https://www.igf-dcad.org - https://igf-dcad.org/key-resources/ - https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/accessibility-toolkit/ The IGF Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD) facilitates interaction and ensures that ICT accessibility is included in the key debates around Internet Governance to build a future where all sectors of the global community have equal access to the Information Society. Our goal has always been to ensure that the Internet and its benefits are fully and equally accessible to and independently usable by persons with disabilities, so they are able to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services within the same timeframe as individuals without disabilities, with substantially equivalent ease of use. DCAD focuses on these core principles: affordability, accessibility, usability, and availability for persons with disabilities or specific needs. Accessible technology can be a game changer for persons with disabilities. In this vein, we have been working within the Internet Governance community to promote public interest in and knowledge of the necessity for accessibility for persons with disability and encourage enlightened accessibility measures worldwide. People Moderator: - Dr. Olivier Crepin-LeBlond (In Person Moderator) and Dr. Mohammed Shabbir, the Coordinator of DCAD (Remote Moderator) Speakers: - Vilmantas Balčikonis is the Vice President of the Lithuanian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted, with over 5 years of experience in the field of accessibility. Vilmantas actively participates in various accessibility-related events and is well-versed in The European Accessibility Act. - Lidia Best, President of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH) - Indre Jurgelioniene, Chief Advisor at the Lithuanian Communications Regulatory Authority and Co-Chair of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) End-User Working Group - Giacomo Mazzone, EDMO Advisory Board, and EuroDig Board Member -- _________________________________________________________________________ Judith Hellerstein, Founder & CEO Hellerstein & Associates 3001 Veazey Terrace NW, Washington DC 20008 Phone: (202) 362-5139 Skype ID: judithhellerstein Mobile/Whats app: +1202-333-6517 E-mail: Judith(a)jhellerstein.com Website: www.jhellerstein.com Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/jhellerstein/ Opening Telecom & Technology Opportunities Worldwide _______________________________________________ To view your Internet Society subscriptions or unsubscribe, log into your member profile at https://community.internetsociety.org/, select your profile picture and then My Groups. Select the Edit icon for Internet Policy and check the Leave Group box, then Save. Changes may take up to 3 hours to take effect. - View the Internet Society Code of Conduct: https://www.internetsociety.org/become-a-member/code-of-conduct/ -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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