- KICTANet - KICTANet

Participate in Our Kiswahili Content Moderation Study
by Miriam Wanjiru 22 Aug '24

22 Aug '24

Hello Listeners! The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative (PIN) are conducting a study to examine content moderation policies and measures implemented by tech companies in the Global South. In this phase, we are focusing on content moderation across popular online services for the Kiswahili language. You can read more about this project here: https://cdt.org/insights/investigating-content-moderation-systems-in-the-gl… We would greatly appreciate your participation in completing this survey <https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7881211/Content-Moderation-Study-The-Kiswahi…>, which takes a maximum of 10-15 minutes. *No identifying information will be collected or shared in our publications. * As a token of our gratitude, you will receive a virtual Visa card with a $10 balance upon successful completion of the survey. This card can be used for online purchases only. Please note, we are only accepting responses from individuals within Kenya and Tanzania. If you could also help share the survey to your networks *especially in Tanzania*, we would be grateful! Link to the survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7881211/Content-Moderation-Study-The-Kiswahi… Thank you for your time and contribution! -- *Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru* Programmes Officer, East Africa [image: Logo] <https://paradigmhq.org/> Paradigm Initiative Nairobi, Kenya tel: +254 703 241 415 e: miriam.wanjiru(a)paradigmhq.org www.paradigmhq.org [image: Facebook icon] <https://web.facebook.com/ParadigmHQ> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://ng.linkedin.com/company/paradigmhq> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/ParadigmHQ> [image: Youtube icon] <https://www.youtube.com/paradigmhq> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/paradigmhq> This email is confidential and intended for the recipient(s) specified in the message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party without the written consent of the sender. If you have received this message in error, please delete it immediately.

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GLAD TO BE BACK!!
by Daniel Obam 22 Aug '24

22 Aug '24

Dear all I am glad to re-join the kictanet fraternity. Don't ask me what happened because even I do not know. It has been a while, though. Looking forward to engage -- Daniel Obam Mobile: 254722519889

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Home - PanAfriCon AI 2024
by Lydia gachungi 21 Aug '24

21 Aug '24

https://panafriconai.org/

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Advanced Human Rights Course: Data Protection in Africa
by Grace Githaiga 20 Aug '24

20 Aug '24

Dear Listers This might be of interest to some of you. Kindly apply if interested. https://www.chr.up.ac.za/courses-presented/data-protection-in-africa#:~:tex… . -- Kind regards, Dr. Grace Githaiga*,* CEO@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @ggithaiga <http://twitter.com/ggithaiga> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga/> ___________________________ KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | Twitter <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> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs*

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Ben Roberts Leaves Liquid Telecom
by Victor Kapiyo 20 Aug '24

20 Aug '24

A titan of the telecommunication industry is leaving his current role. Ben Roberts, the Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Liquid Telecommunication is leaving the company. Ben who joined as Liquid Telcom’s employee number three and the first Engineer at the Wholesale division of Liquid Telecommunications/Econet Group has served the pan African company for over 2 decades. Read more: https://techweez.com/2024/08/19/liquid-telecoms-cto-ben-roberts-resigns/

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AFRICA AT FOREFRONT OF CHAMPIONING CYBERSECRITY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE GLOBAL ARENA
by Gachungi, Lydia 16 Aug '24

16 Aug '24

FYI too From: Information and Communication Directorate <DIC(a)africa-union.org<mailto:DIC@africa-union.org>> Sent: Friday, August 16, 2024 5:40 PM To: Information and Communication Directorate <DIC(a)africa-union.org<mailto:DIC@africa-union.org>> Subject: Press Release - AFRICA AT FOREFRONT OF CHAMPIONING CYBERSECRITY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE GLOBAL ARENA [cid:image001.png@01DAF003.2B1697C0]A INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE Press Release No: 148/2024 Date: 16th August 2024 AFRICA AT FOREFRONT OF CHAMPIONING CYBERSECRITY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE GLOBAL ARENA The Ad Hoc Committee established by the UN General Assembly to negotiate a new convention on cybercrime have agreed on the draft United Nations Convention on Cybercrime which will be presented to the General Assembly for adoption. The Ad Hoc Committee which was formed to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes was chaired by Algeria, an African Union Member State and currently one of the A3 (African Three) Member States representing the continent in the UN Security Council. The adoption of this important international instrument echoes the vision of the African Union on the need to develop a legal framework on cybersecurity at a global level. Recognising the future impact of emerging technologies on the development of an information society for Africa’s, as well as the need to ensure that these emerging technologies are anchored on regulatory frameworks on cyber-security and personal data protection that ensure the rights of citizens, guaranteed under the fundamental texts of domestic law and protected by international human rights Conventions and Treaties, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights<https://au.int/en/treaties/african-charter-human-and-peoples-rights>; the African Union adopted the African Union Convention on Cyber Security<https://au.int/en/treaties/african-union-convention-cyber-security-and-pers…> and Personal Data Protection on 27 June 2014 and Cyber Security was adopted as one of the Flagship Projects of Africa’s Agenda 2063. In 2024, several key instruments and frameworks have been adopted by the African Union including:- the African Common Position on the application of International law to use the ICTs in Cyberspace which was adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council in January 2024 and endorsed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government during their 37th Ordinary Session<https://au.int/en/decisions/decisions-declarations-and-resolution-thirty-se…>; and in June 2024, The Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy<https://au.int/en/documents/20240809/continental-artificial-intelligence-st…> and the African Digital Compact<https://au.int/en/documents/20240809/african-digital-compact-adc> were endorsed by the STC on Communication and ICT and both of which will constitute Africa’s contribution to the Global Digital Compact and the United Nations Summit of the Future in September 2024. The Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the African Digital Compact are anchored on The Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa<https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38507-doc-dts-english.pdf>. The various initiatives undertaken by Africa demonstrates the forward thinking that has been in place as relates to Africa’s developing legal instruments and strategies on matters ICT; and the agreement on the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime drafted while being chaired by an African Union member State is a reflection of actions being taken to ensure that Africa’s voice and common position is heard at a global level and a mark of working towards achieving Aspiration 7 of Agenda 2063 Learn more Draft United Nations convention against cybercrime<https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/v24/055/06/pdf/v2405506.pdf> The Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa<https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38507-doc-dts-english.pdf> The Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy The African Digital Compact<https://au.int/en/documents/20240809/african-digital-compact-adc> African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection<https://au.int/en/treaties/african-union-convention-cyber-security-and-pers…> Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC(a)africa-union.org<mailto:DIC@africa-union.org> I Website: www.au.int<http://www.au.int> I Addis Ababa, Ethiopia I Follow Us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/africanunion_official/>| YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission> |

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Re: Side Event Networking Cocktail and Fireside Chat during the East African IGF 2024
by Angela Minayo 15 Aug '24

15 Aug '24

Hi Listers, I trust you are well, ARTICLE 19 EA, Pollicy and Paradigm Initiative are planning a fireside chat and networking cocktail during the East Africa IGF that will be taking place from the 11-12th September 2024. We are keen to connect with businesses, civil society actors, think tanks, activists and tech developers who are already planning to attend the EAIGF. Please email me at angelaminayo(a)article19.org to express your interest in attending the side event. Best Regards, *Angela Minayo Kidiavai*

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Google declared an illegal monopoly by a US court in Landmark Antitrust Case
by Mwendwa Kivuva 15 Aug '24

15 Aug '24

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by spending billions of dollars to secure exclusive deals and maintain its monopoly in the online search market. The judge found that Google’s practices created an illegal monopoly, effectively stifling competition and innovation in the search engine market. The ruling could force Google to change its business practices significantly. This might include altering or terminating exclusive agreements that prevent competitors from gaining market share. The decision could lead to substantial financial penalties and increased scrutiny from regulators, potentially affecting Google's profitability and market valuation. This ruling sets a critical precedent for future antitrust actions against other tech giants. It signals a more aggressive stance by regulators towards monopolistic practices in the tech industry. The decision is part of a larger trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny on big tech companies globally, aiming to foster a more competitive and fair market environment. Google has expressed disappointment with the ruling and plans to appeal. The company argues that its practices benefit consumers by providing superior search services. Smaller competitors and antitrust advocates have praised the ruling, seeing it as a necessary step to curb Google's dominance and promote competition. This ruling is one of the most significant antitrust decisions since the Microsoft case in the late 1990s. It reflects ongoing concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech giants. Economic Impact: By addressing monopolistic practices, the ruling aims to create a more level playing field, potentially leading to more innovation and better services for consumers. The case highlights the evolving legal landscape around antitrust issues, with courts increasingly willing to challenge the practices of dominant tech companies. The antitrust ruling against Google represents a landmark decision with far-reaching implications. It underscores the growing determination of regulators to tackle monopolistic practices in the tech industry and could lead to significant changes in how major tech companies operate. As the case progresses through appeals, it will be closely watched for its potential to reshape the competitive dynamics of the digital economy. It will be interesting to see how Google reacts to the ruling, and how other big tech companies, and emerging corporates like OpenAI learn from this ruling. Is the Google search market under threat? Gartner predicts Google could lose up to 25% market share by 2026 as generative AI solutions become more embedded. Some interesting development, that you can follow here https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-judge-rules-google-broke-antitrust-law-sea… Best Regards, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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Fwd: [NRIs List] IGF 2024 Travel Support
by Barrack Otieno 15 Aug '24

15 Aug '24

Hi Listers, This might be of interest to those following Internet Governance conversations. Thank you Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Anja Gengo <anja.gengo(a)un.org> Date: Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 9:01 AM Subject: [NRIs List] IGF 2024 Travel Support To: Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org <igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> Dear Colleagues, IGF 2024 Call for Travel Support is open until 10 September. For more information, please visit the IGF website https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/supporting-participation-at-the-annu… . Best regards, Anja _______________________________________________ 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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Invitation for KiCTANET to nominate stakeholders for Artificial Intelligence Townhall Meeting for NATIONAL AI strategy
by Alfred Ongere 14 Aug '24

14 Aug '24

Hi Kivuva, As per our phone conversation, we are excited to invite you to nominate key stakeholders from KICTANET to attend the upcoming AI Townhall Meeting on August 23rd, 2024, at Kofisi, Riverside Square, Nairobi. This event, organized by AI Kenya in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT, is a crucial platform for shaping Kenya’s National AI Strategy. We are seeking participation from tech communities, service providers, and other relevant stakeholders. Please share the registration form below with those in your network who would bring valuable insights to this discussion. See below event brief with registration form. Applicants to attend will be confirmed, since we have limited seating for the meeting : // Artificial Intelligence(AI) Townhall Meeting - Shaping Kenya’s National AI Strategy Date: August 23rd, 2024 Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Kofisi , Riverside Square Event Overview: As part of the Ministry of ICT's ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive National AI(Artificial Intelligence) Strategy, this AI Townhall meeting is a critical opportunity for Kenya’s tech community and tech service providers to shape the future of AI in the country. This event is specifically designed to engage key players in the tech sector—developers, AI enthusiasts, IT consulting firms, cloud service providers, and telecommunications companies—to gather their insights and perspectives on how AI can best be harnessed to drive innovation, economic growth, and societal benefits. While the primary audience includes the tech community and tech service providers, we also welcome participation from a broader group of stakeholders, including government representatives, academia, civil society organizations, and private sector leaders. This inclusive approach ensures that the National AI Strategy reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of all sectors in Kenya. Who Should Attend: We are primarily seeking the active participation of: Tech Communities: Developers, AI practitioners, and members of tech forums. Tech Service Providers: IT and AI consulting firms, cloud service providers, infrastructure providers Tech Professional Bodies: Representatives from tech professional bodies Tech Startup Founders: Entrepreneurs leading tech focused startups In addition, the event will also benefit from contributions by: Academia and Research Institutions: Researchers and educators involved in AI and data science. Civil Society Organizations: Digital rights advocates and technology-focused NGOs. Government and Public Sector Representatives: Policy makers and IT leaders from various ministries. Private Sector Leaders: Innovators and industry-specific AI users. This is an unparalleled opportunity for the tech sector to influence the direction of Kenya’s AI strategy, network with fellow innovators, and ensure that the strategy supports the growth and development of AI across the country. Event Program: 8:00 AM - 8:15AM: Participants check in 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM: Opening Remarks 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM: Main Discussions 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM: Q&A Session 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Feedback and Closing of session Your expertise and voice are essential in shaping Kenya’s AI future! We strongly encourage members of the tech community and tech service providers to join this pivotal conversation. To attend, https://forms.gle/b1qxNf5sWgQWy28u8 Please note that a confirmation will be sent to those who will be attending. We look forward to your active participation in what promises to be a transformative event for Kenya’s AI landscape. // Let me know if you have any follow up questions. Regards, Alfred Ongere, Founder , Ai Kenya Managing director , Mind Intelligence Ltd

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