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KICTANet Highlights January 2024 - Readings
by David Indeje 26 Jan '24

26 Jan '24

Dear Lister, KICTANet is pleased to share with you a summary of our most recent articles published in January 2024. These articles cover a range of important topics related to ICT, including cybercrime, digital accessibility, AI, data protection, femicide, cybersecurity, and Kenya's ICT trends for 2024. *Here is a brief overview of each article:* - *Concerns over the proposed UN Cybercrime Convention:* This article <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/civil-society-groups-raise-concerns-over-propose…> discusses the potential impact of the proposed UN Cybercrime Convention on freedom of expression and privacy. - *What does meaningful internet connectivity look like? *This article <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/beyond-access-maximizing-the-benefits-of-digital…>discusses the primary challenges to meaningful internet access, including lack of investment in infrastructure, affordability, digital literacy skills, cyber security and safety, lack of relevant content, gender inequality, lack of innovation, and digital accessibility. - *Guidelines for making digital content accessible to all users:* This article <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/category/kictanet-post/digital-accessibility/> provides guidelines for creating digital content that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. - *The debate about whether data protection laws curtail AI developments:* This article examines <https://www.apc.org/en/pubs/kictanet-state-data-protection-kenya> the debate over whether data protection laws hinder the development of artificial intelligence. - The femicide crisis in Kenya: This article sheds light on the femicide crisis in Kenya <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-women-leaders-sound-alarm-on-femicide-surg…> and the challenges faced by women who are subjected to digital harassment. - *Kenya's ICT trends for 2024, including AI, cybersecurity, and crypto:* This article highlights key ICT trends <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyas-ict-trends-for-2024-ai-cybersecurity-cryp…> expected to shape the Kenyan landscape in 2024, including AI, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrencies. *The importance of bridging the gender gap in cybersecurity:* This anthology of stories under the title *“Narratives of Strength and Survival”* are aimed at documenting the lived experiences of Kenyan women and girls who have faced online gender-based violence at a personal level: 1. Navigating the Digital Battlefield: Wanjiku Thiga’s Experience in Kenya’s 2022 General Election <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/navigating-the-digital-battlefield-wanjiku-thiga…> 2. Private: Hated, but Unafraid: Living with HIV in the Age of Online Hate <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/hated-but-unafraid-living-with-hiv-in-the-age-of…> 3. The Price of Visibility: A Queer Activist’s Battle with Online Trolls <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/the-price-of-visibility-a-queer-activists-battle…> 4. Behind the Newsfeed: The Chilling Tale of a Journalist Hunted by Her Own Story <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/behind-the-newsfeed-the-chilling-tale-of-a-journ…> We hope you find these articles informative and thought-provoking. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet 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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INVITATION TO A BREAKFAST MEETING ON ICANN ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2ND 2024
by Nzambi Kakusu 26 Jan '24

26 Jan '24

Dear Listers, Greetings from KICTANet! The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a non-profit organization, which is a think tank and multi-stakeholder platform for individuals and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the global Internet's domain name system, IP address allocation, and other unique identifiers. KICTANet in partnership with ICANN invites you to an ICANN engagement in Africa meeting dubbed ‘Talk to ICANN scheduled to take place on Friday 2nd February 2024 from 8:00 am to 10:30 am. This meeting, aims to bring together key stakeholders, industry professionals, and thought leaders to discuss and foster a deeper understanding of ICANN's role in Africa's digital landscape and increase visibility on the Coalition for Digital Africa. The event will also explore collaborative opportunities, address challenges, and promote active engagement between ICANN and the African Internet community. Please see the Concept note and programme <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/talk-to-icann-icann-engagement-in-africa/>. Kindly confirm your participation by registering on this link <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelF-d7kvoN8HWuP1_T-glUWLHUCAu3vCN…> at your earliest convenience but hopefully by 30th January 2024 to facilitate planning. Please note that we only have limited slots and we will consider the confirmation on a first come first served basis. Should you require any clarification, do not hesitate to contact me at nkakusu(a)kictanet.or.ke. We look forward to hosting you then. Sincerely, Nzambi Kakusu

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5GHOUL: THE 14 SHAMBLING 5G FLAWS USED FOR DISRUPTIVE ATTACKS ON SMARTPHONES
by Grace Githaiga 25 Jan '24

25 Jan '24

Good morning Listers This might be of interest to some of you. A group of researchers from Singapore's ASSET Research Group has released information about several vulnerabilities in the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication infrastructure, which is utilised by many different devices, including smartphones. Read on: https://hackaday.com/2023/12/13/5ghoul-the-14-shambling-5g-flaws-used-for-d… [https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cell-tower.jpg]<https://hackaday.com/2023/12/13/5ghoul-the-14-shambling-5g-flaws-used-for-d…> 5Ghoul: The 14 Shambling 5G Flaws Used For Disruptive Attacks On Smartphones<https://hackaday.com/2023/12/13/5ghoul-the-14-shambling-5g-flaws-used-for-d…> A team of researchers from the ASSET Research Group in Singapore have published the details of a collection of vulnerabilities in the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G) used with sma… hackaday.com Rgds GG ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grace Githaiga Twitter: @ggithaiga Skype: gracegithaiga Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga ...the most important office in a democracy is the citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you!----Barrack Obama.

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Joint Statement on the Proposed Cybercrime Treaty Ahead of the Concluding Session
by David Indeje 24 Jan '24

24 Jan '24

Dear Listers, A joint statement from a coalition of civil society groups and individual experts argues that the current draft of the UN Cybercrime Convention poses a threat to human rights and calls for significant changes before it is adopted. Concerns: - The Convention is too broad and could criminalize legitimate online activities. - It lacks sufficient safeguards for journalists, activists, and security researchers. - It doesn't adequately protect human rights and privacy. - It proposes excessive information sharing and monitoring practices. *Demands:* - Narrow the scope of the Convention to focus on specific cybercrimes. - Include protections for legitimate online activities and freedom of expression. - Strengthen human rights and data protection safeguards. - Limit information sharing and require judicial oversight. - Avoid endorsing surveillance provisions that undermine encryption. "The outcome of the treaty negotiation process should only be deemed acceptable if it effectively incorporates strong and meaningful safeguards to protect human rights, ensures legal clarity for fairness and due process, and fosters international cooperation under the rule of law." Civil Society Groups Raise Concerns Over Proposed UN Cybercrime Convention | KICTANet Think Tank <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/civil-society-groups-raise-concerns-over-propose…> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *KICTANet 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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#DataPrivacyWeek : Data Protection vs. AI: A Balancing Act
by David Indeje 24 Jan '24

24 Jan '24

Dear Listers, This Data Protection Week, a debate rages: do privacy laws hinder AI progress? While they may seem restrictive, principles like purpose limitation, data minimization, transparency, and security are crucial for responsible AI development. Imagine an AI denied credit to a woman in a shared account, with developers unable to explain the bias. Data protection asks for explainability, even as AI models grow complex. The same goes for security: recent hacks exposed training data and manipulated AI outputs. Responsible AI thrives under privacy laws, ensuring innovation prioritizes the responsible use of personal data. So, do data protection laws restrain AI? https://www.kictanet.or.ke/do-data-protection-laws-restrain-ai-development/

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Fwd: [NRIs List] Reminder: Submit IGF 2024 Thematic Inputs by 31 January
by Barrack Otieno 20 Jan '24

20 Jan '24

Listers, For those following the Global Internet Governance Forum. This might be of interest. Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: IGF Secretariat <igf(a)un.org> Date: Fri, Jan 19, 2024 at 4:53 PM Subject: [NRIs List] Reminder: Submit IGF 2024 Thematic Inputs by 31 January To: Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org <igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> *Your Inputs Wanted <https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024-call-for-thematic-inputs> for IGF 2024 Programme * *○ ○ ○* What digital issues matter most to you? The IGF is inviting all stakeholders to share what the IGF 2024 intersessional and meeting programme should cover in the annual Call for Inputs <https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024-call-for-thematic-inputs> *○ ○ ○* Submit through the thematic inputs form* HERE <https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024-call-for-thematic-inputs>* by the *deadline, 31 January 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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2024 Updates from ICANN
by June Okal 19 Jan '24

19 Jan '24

Dear listers, Happy New Year! A few updates from ICANN that may be of interest this year. *1. Africa DNS Study and Webinar *- First, some listers may remember in 2016 ICANN initiated an in-depth study of the DNS ecosystem in Africa and members of this list as part of the larger community were key to the research output and its publication. Now in 2023 as part of the Coalition for Digital Africa ( https://coalitionfordigitalafrica.africa/) our team and partners were keen to assess the evolving DNS market and economic trends in Africa that describes and quantifies the overall potential of the domain name industry in the region. Our consultant has prepared a draft report and we would love to have the community’s and your input on the draft final report of the 2023 Africa Domain Name Industry Study here ( https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/draft-final-report-of-th… ) The report is currently open for public comment to the 08 February 2024 when it will be closed for submissions. Linked to this, on Tuesday 23 January 2024 14:00 - 15:30 UTC (5 - 6.30 Nairobi time) (90 minutes) we will host a webinar on the report to feature a comprehensive agenda that delves into key aspects of the Africa Domain Name Industry Study, including an in-depth presentation of the draft final report. You can register here https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xC4Sue1lR0-WW6KRa0VsxQ#/registrat… It's a great opportunity to learn, appreciate and contribute to the DNS ecosystem in Africa. Secondly, *the Registration Data Request Service (RDRS)* was launched in November 2023 to handle requests for access to nonpublic registration data related to generic top-level domains (gTLD)s. The system connects requestors seeking disclosure of nonpublic registration data with the relevant ICANN-accredited registrars for gTLD domain names who are participating in the service. To share more information on this we are hosting a webinar for you to learn how to access the platform if you have a legitimate interest and request on Thursday, 25 January 2024 at 15:00 UTC (6 pm Nairobi time) for 60 minutes Register for the session here https://icann.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k8UpjvF6Re-0gBIjO-HjsA#/registrat… Thirdly, *ICANN is back to Africa!* ICANN 80 will be hosted in the EAC, in Kigali, Rwanda and that means the NextGen program is now open to university students 18-30 in the Africa region. Those selected will receive a grant to cover travel expenses & a stipend to attend #ICANN80. You get a chance to learn, network, & engage with Internet governance leaders in #ICANN’s NextGen program. Find out more and apply here: https://go.icann.org/3RRY6l3 Lastly, we introduced *the Grant Program *last week. The program will make millions of dollars in funding available to develop projects that support the growth of a single, open and globally interoperable Internet. ICANN is opening an application cycle for the first $10 million in grants in March 2024. Read more on this here https://www.icann.org/resources/press-material/release-2024-01-09-en With that, on behalf of the Africa Engagement Center, have a fantastic year ahead! Kind Regards, June Okal LinkedIn Profile <http://ke.linkedin.com/in/juneokal> www.juneokal.com

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Security and Data Protection
by Mutemi wa Kiama 17 Jan '24

17 Jan '24

Dear listers, Please receive my regards for the new year. I am interested in you views regarding the attached letter from the government vis a vis privacy and Data protection. Warm regards, Mutemi wa Kiama Co-Chair, Africans Rising Movement Coordinating Collective Team Captain, This Is Africa: https://thisisafrica.me Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Public Intellectual, Social Justice & Social Accountability Entrepreneur, Strategic Planning & Organizational Development Facilitator, Strategic Communications, Movement Building Coach, Human Rights Defender, #DevolutionIsRevolution Champion. Mzalendo Halisi Foundation (MHF) https://mzalendohalisi.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-mutemi-wa-kiama-1aa51615/ https://twitter.com/WanjikuRevolt Ordinary, fearless Kenyans 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] Invitation from Leadership Panel Chair - Contributions to the 'Internet We Want'
by Barrack Otieno 16 Jan '24

16 Jan '24

Listers, Might be of interest to those following the IGF. Regards ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Anja Gengo <anja.gengo(a)un.org> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2024, 2:45 pm Subject: [NRIs List] Invitation from Leadership Panel Chair - Contributions to the 'Internet We Want' To: Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org <igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org> Dear Colleagues, Please find attached a letter from Vint Cerf, Chair of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Leadership Panel, inviting you to participate in the Panel’s ‘Internet We Want’ (IWW) consultation <https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/the-internet-we-want> by 1 *March 2024*. In annex, you will find details on the ‘Internet Want’ vision, its process details and timeline. Should you have any questions on the attached, or on the consultation in general, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of the Leadership Panel, we look forward to your contribution. Best regards, IGF Secretariat _______________________________________________ Igfregionals mailing list Igfregionals(a)intgovforum.org To unsubscribe or manage your options please go to http://intgovforum.org/mailman/listinfo/igfregionals_intgovforum.org

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Top 5 trends shaping the ICT landscape in 2024
by David Indeje 15 Jan '24

15 Jan '24

Dear Listers, Share your thoughts on these trends and how Kenya can leverage them for a brighter digital future: ▶️AI Goes Mainstream ▶️Cybersecurity Fortifies ▶️Data Privacy Takes Center Stage ▶️Blockchain Beyond Buzzwords ▶️Crypto: Navigating the Maze https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyas-ict-trends-for-2024-ai-cybersecurity-cryp…

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