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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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Journalist looking to report on cybersecurity and elections in Kenya
by Eric Mugendi 13 Aug '24

13 Aug '24

Hello Listers, I'd like to introduce @Odula Tom <tomoduls(a)googlemail.com>, a journalist writing for, among other platforms, the Associated Press. He is doing an investigative story on cybersecurity and the Kenyan elections, and I think he could benefit from connecting with this community for expert insights. He is looking for anyone working in the election technology space who can speak to the use of technology in Kenya's elections, from voter registration and identification to transmission and tallying of results. Any pointers will be greatly appreciated, thanks. Regards, Eric Mugendi about.me/mugendi [image: Eric Mugendi on about.me] <http://about.me/mugendi>

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Fwd: [Internet Policy] ICANN reserves .internal for private use at the DNS level
by Barrack Otieno 11 Aug '24

11 Aug '24

Listers, Might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Joshua F. via InternetPolicy <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Date: Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 8:54 PM Subject: [Internet Policy] ICANN reserves .internal for private use at the DNS level To: <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> Hi All, Interesting thing : The ICANN has agreed to reserve the .internal top-level domain. https://www.theregister.com/AMP/2024/08/08/dot_internal_ratified/ Joshua Falanga On Friday, August 9th, 2024 at 10:17 AM, Carsten Schiefner via InternetPolicy <internetpolicy(a)elists.isoc.org> wrote: > On 09.08.2024 15:53, Carsten Schiefner via InternetPolicy wrote: > > > David & all - > > > > On 09.08.2024 15:43, David Sarokin wrote: > > > > > I haven't seen the text of the treaty, but based on the article, the > > > main point of contention seems to be language that allows countries to > > > "ask the authorities of another nation for any electronic evidence > > > linked to the crime, and also request data from internet service > > > providers...." > > > > > > The treaty doesn't seem to require countries or ISPs to respond to > > > such requests. If that's the case, then nothing much has changed, as > > > far as I can see. Countries are already quite free (and quite willing) > > > to request such data, and such requests are sometimes denied and > > > sometimes accepted. Am I misreading the (non)impacts here...? > > > > the (resp. my concern at least...) ... > > > ... concern ... > > > ... is ... > > > ... NOT ... > > > ... that much as to whether > > countries might respond to requests or tend to not to, but to the > > heavily widened-up definition of what is already to be considered a > > cybercrime. > > _______________________________________________ > 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/ _______________________________________________ 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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Kenya Stalls on Blockchain and Crypto Regulation
by David Indeje 11 Aug '24

11 Aug '24

Dear Listers, *Do you Agree?* Kenya's government remains ambivalent towards blockchain and cryptocurrencies despite growing public interest and economic activity in the sector. While the technology has garnered significant attention and investment, with Kenya emerging as a regional cryptocurrency hub, the government's stance remains unclear. A recent parliamentary grilling of the incoming Treasury Cabinet Secretary highlighted the lack of a coherent policy framework. Despite the Kenya Revenue Authority's imposition of taxes on cryptocurrency transactions, the Central Bank maintains a cautious approach, echoing the government's overall indecision. https://www.kictanet.or.ke/government-indifference-hampering-kenyas-crypto-…

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AU Artificial Intelligence Strategy
by Victor Kapiyo 10 Aug '24

10 Aug '24

Dear listers, In a landmark decision, the African Union Executive Council endorsed the Continental AI Strategy during its 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana, on July 18-19, 2024. This strategy underscores Africa’s commitment to an Africa-centric, development-focused approach to AI, promoting ethical, responsible, and equitable practices. The Continental AI Strategy calls for unified national approaches among AU Member States to navigate the complexities of AI-driven change, aiming to strengthen regional and global cooperation and position Africa as a leader in inclusive and responsible AI development. Read more: https://au.int/en/documents/20240809/continental-artificial-intelligence-st…

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Thank You for Supporting the Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2024
by David Indeje 09 Aug '24

09 Aug '24

The KICTANet Multistakeholder Advisory Group would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Kenya Internet Governance Forum 2024 sponsors <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es_HUelxaYE&pp=ygUIa2ljdGFuZXQ%3D>. Your generous support made this event a success. We appreciate your commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive digital landscape in Kenya. [image: image.png] The Forum provided a valuable platform for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration. We look forward to continuing our partnership and working together in the spirit of multistakeholderism to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. *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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Fwd: [IGF] IGF 2024 | Registration Open!
by Barrack Otieno 09 Aug '24

09 Aug '24

Listers, Registration for the global IGF is open. Thank you Best Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: IGF Secretariat <info(a)intgovforum.org> Date: Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 5:03 PM Subject: [IGF] IGF 2024 | Registration Open! To: info(a)intgovforum.org <info(a)intgovforum.org> *The 19th Internet Governance Forum <https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024> on Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future will be held 15-19 December 2024 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and online* *▫▫▫* Join us in December for a programme focused on four main themes <https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024-themes>: “Harnessing innovation and balancing risks in the digital space” “Enhancing the digital contribution to peace, development, and sustainability” “Advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age” “Improving digital governance for the Internet We Want” *▫▫▫* ALL are invited to attend onsite in Riyadh and online – Connect, collaborate and be part of advancing the digital agenda! *REGISTER HERE <https://indico.un.org/event/1012522/> * -- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254733206359 Skype: barrack.otieno PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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Poctoral/postdoctoral scholarships at Hasso Plattner Institute
by Mwendwa Kivuva 08 Aug '24

08 Aug '24

The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) at the University of Potsdam is one of Germany’s top-ranked computer science institutes. Its PhD school "Data Science and Engineering" currenty supports 20 PhD students. Annually, we seek to add talented young researchers and offer 10 full Ph.D. and Postdoc Scholarships for a support of up to four years in our Potsdam location, on the border of Berlin. Students and Postdocs enjoy a great research environment, close mentorship by professors and postdocs, interaction with many peers, enormous computing power with HPI’s Data Lab, and significant travel funding. HPI faculty and their research groups ensure high quality research and will supervise you. Applications must be submitted at https://hpi.de/en/research/cooperations-partners/research-schools/scholarsh… by August 15, 2024. Please include the following documents: - Curriculum vitae and copies of certificates/transcripts - Brief research proposal, ideally mentioning the suitable HPI research groups you would like to work with - Work samples/copies of relevant scientific work (e.g., master's thesis or scientific papers) - Letter(s) of recommendation and any other supporting documents More information about the program and the application process is at https://hpi.de/en/research/cooperations-partners/research-schools/scholarsh… Best Regards, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

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