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Fwd: [AfrICANN-discuss] Fwd: ICANN News Alert -- Apply Now for ICANN Leadership Positions: Deadline is 20 March 2016
by Bob Omondi 18 Dec '15

18 Dec '15

Some of you could be interested in this: [image: ICANN] <http://www.icann.org/> News Alert https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2015-12-17-en ------------------------------ Apply Now for ICANN Leadership Positions: Deadline is 20 March 2016 17 December 2015 The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) Nominating Committee (NomCom) invites interested individuals to submit applications and/or to recommend candidates for ICANN's key leadership positions. Applications are invited for the following positions: - Three members of the ICANN Board of Directors - Two At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) representatives (one each from the Europe and North America regions) - One member of the Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) - One member of the Council of the Country-Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Individuals selected by the NomCom will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe and help shape the Internet's technical coordination and policy development. Those selected will also gain valuable insights and experience from working across boundaries of knowledge, responsibility, culture and geography. They will be making a valuable public service contribution towards the functioning and evolution of this essential global resource. Guided by the broad public interest, those selected will work to fulfill ICANN's mission to coordinate the global Internet's systems of unique identifiers, and in particular to ensure its stable and secure operation. Current NomCom-selected Board members include: Cherine Chalaby <https://www.icann.org/profiles/cherine-chalaby>, Steve Crocker <https://www.icann.org/profiles/steve-crocker>, Asha Hemrajani <https://www.icann.org/profiles/asha-hemrajani>, Rafael Lito Ibarra <https://www.icann.org/profiles/rafael-lito-ibarra>, Bruno Lanvin <https://www.icann.org/profiles/bruno-lanvin>, Erika Mann <https://www.icann.org/profiles/erika-mann>, George Sadowsky <https://www.icann.org/profiles/george-sadowsky> and Lousewies Van der Laan <https://www.icann.org/profiles/lousewies-van-der-laan>. Please submit applications for the positions described above through the on-line application request form at (http://nomcom.icann.org/apply) or by emailing nomcom2016(a)icann.org. For more information, please visit the 2016 NomCom <https://www.icann.org/nomcom2016> website. If you have any questions or comments, please email: nomcom2016(a)icann.org. Candidate recommendations are encouraged and can be submitted through an on-line form at http://nomcom.icann.org/suggest. All applications are confidential and should be received by 20 March 2016 (23:59 UTC) for full consideration. Selections will be announced in August or September 2016. Successful candidates will take up their positions following ICANN's Annual Meeting in October 2016. Fluency in English is a requirement for all positions. These positions require regular participation in teleconferences and may involve significant international travel, including travel to ICANN's three annual Public Meetings. Recent ICANN Public Meetings were held in Singapore, Buenos Aires and Dublin. Meetings during 2016 will be held in Marrakech (5 – 10 March 2016), Panama City and San Juan. Reasonable direct expenses incurred in the course of service will be reimbursed. Each Board Member has the option to receive compensation in accordance with the resolution passed by the Board on 30 July 2014, but is not required to do so. (*See* https://www.icann.org/resources/board-material/resolutions-2014-07-30-en#2.b .) Background: The NomCom is an independent committee tasked with selecting eight members of the Board of Directors and other key positions within ICANN's structure. It is designed to function independently from the ICANN Board, Supporting Organizations, and Advisory Committees. NomCom members act only on behalf of the interests of the global Internet community and within the scope of the ICANN mission and responsibilities assigned to it by the ICANN Bylaws. NomCom members contribute understanding of the broad interests of the Internet community as a whole, and knowledge and experience of specific Internet constituencies who have appointed them. The challenge for the NomCom is to integrate these perspectives and derive consensus in its selections. Although appointed by Supporting Organizations and other ICANN bodies, individual NomCom members are not accountable to their appointing bodies. NomCom members are accountable for adherence to the ICANN Bylaws and for compliance with the rules and procedures established by the NomCom. This message was sent to seun.ojedeji(a)gmail.com from: ICANN News Alert | communications(a)icann.org | ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 Email Marketing by [image: iContact - Try It Free!] <http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186>

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(no subject)
by Nanjira Sambuli 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

Well, it's their prerogative, to gather government stakeholders, but it's telling that they didn't invite others outside that fold, eg civil society (or if they did, that isn't clear in that press release). Regards, Nanjira. Sent from my iPhone. > On 17 Dec 2015, at 18:12, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Technology Leaders in Kenya Pledge to Support County and > Regional Assemblies Deal With Cyber Crime.

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Brazil has lifted its ban on WhatsApp [feedly]
by Nanjira Sambuli 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

---- Brazil has lifted its ban on WhatsApp // The Verge Brazil has lifted a temporary ban on WhatsApp, one day after a court in São Paulo ordered telecoms to block the popular messaging service for failing to comply with an order related to a criminal case. In an decision handed down today, Judge Xavier de Souza, who did not issue the original injunction, said "it does not seem reasonable that millions of users are affected" by the company's failure to provide information to the court, and ordered that the ban be lifted. He recommended that a higher fine be imposed against the company, which failed to comply with two court orders pertaining to the case. The ban went into effect at midnight local time on Thursday, and was due to last for 48 hours. The Facebook-owned app is immensely popular in Brazil, where more than 100 million people use it as a free messaging alternative to expensive mobile plans. Brazilian telecoms have urged the government to crack down on WhatsApp, arguing that its free voice call service is unregulated and illegal, though officials have yet to implement new regulations. Sooo...it seems WhatsApp is working again in Brazil now? That wasn't nearly 48 hours. https://t.co/lBpsErBkeu pic.twitter.com/T1lhA21toz — Vincent Bevins (@Vinncent) December 17, 2015 The temporary ban forced many in Brazil to seek out alternatives such as Telegram, which saw an influx of 1.5 million new users in the hours following the injunction. Users in Chile and Argentina were also affected by the block. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized the injunction in a post published Wednesday night, noting that Facebook Messenger remained available and urging his followers to voice their discontent online. "This is a sad day for Brazil," Zuckerberg wrote. "Until today, Brazil has been an ally in creating an open internet. Brazilians have always been among the most passionate in sharing their voice online. I am stunned that our efforts to protect people's data would result in such an extreme decision by a single judge to punish every person in Brazil who uses WhatsApp." Citing local media, Reuters reports that the criminal case involved a drug trafficker with connections to a notorious São Paulo gang. The suspect allegedly used WhatsApp to commit crimes. ---- Shared via my feedly reader Regards, Nanjira. Sent from my iPhone.

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Fwd: Technology Leaders in Kenya Pledge to Support County and Regional Assemblies Deal With Cyber Crime.
by Dorcas Muthoni 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

What is your take on such initiatives? ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Muthoni, Dorcas" <muthoni(a)openworld.co.ke> Date: Dec 17, 2015 6:03 PM Subject: Fwd: Technology Leaders in Kenya Pledge to Support County and Regional Assemblies Deal With Cyber Crime. To: "Dorcas Muthoni" <dmuthoni(a)gmail.com> Cc: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "East African Press Service ,Nairobi" <pressdesk(a)pressalerts.co.ke> Date: Dec 17, 2015 5:54 PM Subject: Technology Leaders in Kenya Pledge to Support County and Regional Assemblies Deal With Cyber Crime. To: "East African Press Service ,Nairobi" <pressdesk(a)pressalerts.co.ke> Cc: *PRESS RELEASE* *For Immediate Release,* *Technology Leaders in Kenya Pledge to Support County and Regional Assemblies Deal With Cyber Crime.* *Nairobi 17th December 2015* : With the growing occurrences of cybercrime, globally, a consortium of leading Kenya technology firms gathered at Techno Brain Group’s global headquarters in Nairobi, to brief over 250 sergeant at arms, drawn from the National Parliament, The Senate, County Assemblies, Regional parliaments and the East African Legislative Assembly on various aspects of cyber security. The consortium led by Christine Tantuo, Techno Brain Group Country Director, brought together Microsoft East Africa, Oracle and Cisco, who took the sergeant at arms through various aspects of cyber security, access control management and an interactive opportunity for exchange of ideas and experience of different cultures and emerging security procedures and processes. This was part of an industry visit organised during the 1st National Conference of Sergeant at Arms, held in Nairobi between 14th – 19th December 2015, which was officially opened by Hon Major General Nkaissery (RTD), the cabinet secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government. Speaking during the industry experience today, Christine Tantuo, Techno Brain Group Country Director lauded the necessity of the conference, to the development of framework for best practices for sergeant-at-arms, linking their roles to responding to emerging security issues, especially cyber security. “The purpose of this visit to TechnoBrain is to understand security measures that they can adopt, to deal with the modern threats. This will enable the sergeant-at-arms to know how they can secure physical, infrastructure and cyber space.” She added. By engaging with the various industry leaders present today the sergeant at arms will have a hands-on feel and see demos of they can secure their assemblies, secure informations and give citizens the ability to access this information as provided in the constitution.” The law requires that the senate and county assemblies provides citizens with information through their website, including opportunities for citizen’s participation in drafting of bills .Jude Mark Bwari, Microsoft East Africa technology strategist explained solutions that can help the assemblies present disseminate information to the public and other assembly members across East Africa securely. Techno Brain, in conjunction with the present technology leaders present for this industry experience, have developed over 15 solutions targeted at the public sector, which the assemblies represented can use to enhance service delivery, added Ms Christine during the function. Find below, a link to download the videos for the joint brief https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/11ff82febdec5e69d0937cfe47f65583201512… *For exclusive interview opportunities and more information, please contact **Steve Suchi, Cell Phone 0719 407 816. * *The End *

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 103, Issue 130
by Mose Karanja 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

@Mwendwa - I like to see it more as a relationship between the individual and the state. Privacy to citizens, transparency from governments. Some governments hide under the sovereignty/westerners debate to close reasonable debate on these issues. The power relations between cross border data transfers is real and requires our attention but I think companies should be seen for what they do and not from where they are from. Blanket condemnation of Silicon Valley is missing the point here. Local companies here in Kenya might actually be the biggest threats to your freedom than a far off multibillion dollar co. On 17 December 2015 at 16:39, <kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp (Barrack Otieno) > 2. Re: Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp (Mwendwa Kivuva) > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack(a)gmail.com> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Cc: Ebele Okobi <ebeleokobi(a)fb.com>, ISOC Kenya Chapter < > isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke> > Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2015 16:02:24 +0300 > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp > > Great discussion, > > Would be interesting to get the Communications Authority position on the > same in light of recent statements issued by CBK on bit coins :-) > > Regards > On Dec 17, 2015 3:04 PM, "Ebele Okobi via kictanet" < > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >> Of course-got it! >> I was focusing on the privacy issue, not the operator revenue issue. I do >> think it's interesting to think of the fact that operators themselves were >> disrupters. . . >> >> Ebele Okobi | Head of Public Policy, Africa >> >> m. +44 (0) 771 156 1315 <+44%20(0)%20771%20156%201315> >> >> 10 Brock Street | London | NW1 3FG >> >> ebeleokobi(a)fb.com >> >> [image: 6F376569-CC77-422B-BAD3-794055B1E02B] >> >> On Dec 17, 2015, at 11:48 AM, Mose Karanja <mosekaranja(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Uber disrupted the taxi ecosystem so immensely that some taxi unions >> started attacks on Uber the company and Uber the product arguing they are >> taxed and licensed yet their new competitors are not taxed. They hope(d) >> the regulators would side with their argument. Some did some didn't. >> >> The Uber-moment is thus (in my world) that point in the life of a >> disruptive product when the existing dominant player seeks favor from the >> regulators to block that which 'they can't understand'. >> >> Cue in Bob Dylan's Times are A Changing :) >> On 17 Dec 2015 13:31, "Paul Roy" <roykoikai(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Ebele, >>> >>> This is going to open a whole set of regulatory concerns around privacy >>> vs. security. >>> >>> Following this keenly! >>> >>> Paul Roy. >>> >>> On Thu, Dec 17, 2015 at 12:55 PM, Ebele Okobi via kictanet < >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >>> >>>> Uber moment? Tell me more! >>>> >>>> WhatsApp is protecting the privacy rights of its users-here's a FB post >>>> from WhatsApp's founder, Jan Koum (btw, when you get a chance, look up his >>>> personal history. It gives a sense of why he is so passionate about the >>>> right to privacy.) >>>> >>>> "We are disappointed in the short-sighted decision to cut off access to >>>> WhatsApp, a communication tool that so many Brazilians have come to depend >>>> on, and sad to see Brazil isolate itself from the rest of the world." >>>> >>>> Ebele Okobi | Head of Public Policy, Africa >>>> >>>> m. +44 (0) 771 156 1315 <+44%20(0)%20771%20156%201315> >>>> >>>> 10 Brock Street | London | NW1 3FG >>>> >>>> ebeleokobi(a)fb.com >>>> >>>> [image: 6F376569-CC77-422B-BAD3-794055B1E02B] >>>> >>>> On Dec 17, 2015, at 9:42 AM, Mose Karanja via kictanet < >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >>>> >>>> A Brazilian judge has ordered a 48 hour WhatsApp lockdown. >>>> The order claims WhatsApp refused to cooperate with Law Enforcement >>>> agencies on data handover. >>>> The harshness of the verdict is thus seen as a retaliation to show >>>> whois boss. >>>> However, there is the Telco Lobby pushing for regulation (that word >>>> again) of VOIP (WhatsApp calls) under the claim that Brazilians are no >>>> longer using voice calls and yet they are taxed for the spectrum which >>>> WhatsApp is not being taxed for since it is not classified as a Telco. >>>> >>>> You can read more here (in Portuguese): >>>> >>>> http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/2015/12/1719934-justica-determina-bloq… >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www1.folha.uol.com.br_m…> >>>> >>>> or here in English >>>> >>>> http://techcrunch.com/2015/12/16/brazils-congress-has-shut-down-whatsapp-to… >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__techcrunch.com_2015_12_…> >>>> >>>> An Uber-moment for WhatsApp. >>>> --- >>>> Moses Karanja | @Mose_Karanja >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_Mose-5FKar…> >>>> | PGP: 0x1529552F >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__pgp.mit.edu_pks_lookup…> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ebeleokobi%40fb.com >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >>>> >>>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >>>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >>>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >>>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >>>> >>>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >>>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >>>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >>>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> kictanet mailing list >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >>>> >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/roykoikai%40gmail.com >>>> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >>>> >>>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >>>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >>>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >>>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >>>> >>>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >>>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >>>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >>>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of >>> luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." >>> >>> Roy. >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmai… >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform >> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and >> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT >> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors >> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, >> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do >> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Mwendwa Kivuva <Kivuva(a)transworldafrica.com> > To: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Cc: > Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2015 16:33:17 +0300 > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp > With all respect, have you ever seen how the Silicon Valley companies > treat other countries with contempt especially when it comes to data > requests? But when Uncle Sam asks for the information, they are given. > > Therefore this debate should be more about finding a balance between > privacy and the rule of law. This also falls under the broader cross > border communication debate that has been raging especially in EU > region and Russia. It's a tough nut I admit. > > On 17/12/2015, Barrack Otieno via kictanet > <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Great discussion, > > > > Would be interesting to get the Communications Authority position on the > > same in light of recent statements issued by CBK on bit coins :-) > > > > Regards > > On Dec 17, 2015 3:04 PM, "Ebele Okobi via kictanet" < > > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > > >> Of course-got it! > >> I was focusing on the privacy issue, not the operator revenue issue. I > do > >> think it's interesting to think of the fact that operators themselves > >> were > >> disrupters. . . > >> > >> Ebele Okobi | Head of Public Policy, Africa > >> > >> m. +44 (0) 771 156 1315 <+44%20(0)%20771%20156%201315> > >> > >> 10 Brock Street | London | NW1 3FG > >> > >> ebeleokobi(a)fb.com > >> > >> [image: 6F376569-CC77-422B-BAD3-794055B1E02B] > >> > >> On Dec 17, 2015, at 11:48 AM, Mose Karanja <mosekaranja(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > >> > >> Uber disrupted the taxi ecosystem so immensely that some taxi unions > >> started attacks on Uber the company and Uber the product arguing they > are > >> taxed and licensed yet their new competitors are not taxed. They hope(d) > >> the regulators would side with their argument. Some did some didn't. > >> > >> The Uber-moment is thus (in my world) that point in the life of a > >> disruptive product when the existing dominant player seeks favor from > the > >> regulators to block that which 'they can't understand'. > >> > >> Cue in Bob Dylan's Times are A Changing :) > >> On 17 Dec 2015 13:31, "Paul Roy" <roykoikai(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> > >>> Ebele, > >>> > >>> This is going to open a whole set of regulatory concerns around privacy > >>> vs. security. > >>> > >>> Following this keenly! > >>> > >>> Paul Roy. > >>> > >>> On Thu, Dec 17, 2015 at 12:55 PM, Ebele Okobi via kictanet < > >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >>> > >>>> Uber moment? Tell me more! > >>>> > >>>> WhatsApp is protecting the privacy rights of its users-here's a FB > post > >>>> from WhatsApp's founder, Jan Koum (btw, when you get a chance, look up > >>>> his > >>>> personal history. It gives a sense of why he is so passionate about > the > >>>> right to privacy.) > >>>> > >>>> "We are disappointed in the short-sighted decision to cut off access > to > >>>> WhatsApp, a communication tool that so many Brazilians have come to > >>>> depend > >>>> on, and sad to see Brazil isolate itself from the rest of the world." > >>>> > >>>> Ebele Okobi | Head of Public Policy, Africa > >>>> > >>>> m. +44 (0) 771 156 1315 <+44%20(0)%20771%20156%201315> > >>>> > >>>> 10 Brock Street | London | NW1 3FG > >>>> > >>>> ebeleokobi(a)fb.com > >>>> > >>>> [image: 6F376569-CC77-422B-BAD3-794055B1E02B] > >>>> > >>>> On Dec 17, 2015, at 9:42 AM, Mose Karanja via kictanet < > >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > >>>> > >>>> A Brazilian judge has ordered a 48 hour WhatsApp lockdown. > >>>> The order claims WhatsApp refused to cooperate with Law Enforcement > >>>> agencies on data handover. > >>>> The harshness of the verdict is thus seen as a retaliation to show > >>>> whois > >>>> boss. > >>>> However, there is the Telco Lobby pushing for regulation (that word > >>>> again) of VOIP (WhatsApp calls) under the claim that Brazilians are no > >>>> longer using voice calls and yet they are taxed for the spectrum which > >>>> WhatsApp is not being taxed for since it is not classified as a Telco. > >>>> > >>>> You can read more here (in Portuguese): > >>>> > >>>> > http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/2015/12/1719934-justica-determina-bloq… > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www1.folha.uol.com.br_m… > > > >>>> > >>>> or here in English > >>>> > >>>> > http://techcrunch.com/2015/12/16/brazils-congress-has-shut-down-whatsapp-to… > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__techcrunch.com_2015_12_… > > > >>>> > >>>> An Uber-moment for WhatsApp. > >>>> --- > >>>> Moses Karanja | @Mose_Karanja > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_Mose-5FKar… > > > >>>> | PGP: 0x1529552F > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__pgp.mit.edu_pks_lookup… > > > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m… > > > >>>> > >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>>> > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ebeleokobi%40fb.com > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m… > > > >>>> > >>>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder > platform > >>>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > >>>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the > ICT > >>>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and > >>>> development. > >>>> > >>>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > >>>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and > >>>> bandwidth, > >>>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, > >>>> do > >>>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> _______________________________________________ > >>>> kictanet mailing list > >>>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >>>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m… > > > >>>> > >>>> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >>>> > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/roykoikai%40gmail.com > >>>> < > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m… > > > >>>> > >>>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder > platform > >>>> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > >>>> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the > ICT > >>>> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and > >>>> development. > >>>> > >>>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > >>>> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and > >>>> bandwidth, > >>>> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, > >>>> do > >>>> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> -- > >>> "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of > >>> luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." > >>> > >>> Roy. > >>> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> kictanet mailing list > >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > >> > >> Unsubscribe or change your options at > >> > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmai… > >> > >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform > >> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and > >> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT > >> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and > >> development. > >> > >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors > >> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and > >> bandwidth, > >> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, > do > >> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > >> > > > > > -- > ______________________ > Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya > twitter.com/lordmwesh > > The best athletes never started as the best athletes. > "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take." - Wayne Gretzky. > I will persist until I succeed - Og Mandino. > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > -- Moses Karanja | @Mose_Karanja <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja> | PGP: 0x1529552F <https://pgp.mit.edu/pks/lookup?op=index&fingerprint=on&search=0x1529552F> <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja>

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Re: [kictanet] kictanet Digest, Vol 103, Issue 128
by Mose Karanja 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

Brazil got me by surprise. Of all governments, after the popular passing of the Internet 'Bill of Rights’ last year, NETmundial and this year’s IGF. They even offered to host Snowden. This got me! As it relates to privacy, it is neat to know WhatsApp has been working with OpenWhispers on end2end encryption. As at September 2015, WhatsApp had 900M Monthly Users. By securing and encrypting this huge number of users globally, WhatsApp is changing the future of communication as we know it and they should be supported by all those who believe in privacy and human rights. Moses. --- Moses Karanja | @Mose_Karanja <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja> | PGP: 0x1529552F <https://pgp.mit.edu/pks/lookup?op=index&fingerprint=on&search=0x1529552F> > On Dec 17, 2015, at 3:10 PM, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > Send kictanet mailing list submissions to > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > You can reach the person managing the list at > kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp (Ahmed Mohamed Maawy) > 2. Re: Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp (Ebele Okobi) > > From: Ahmed Mohamed Maawy <ultimateprogramer(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp > Date: December 17, 2015 at 3:00:05 PM EAT > To: Kictanet - Main <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Cc: ISOC Kenya Chapter <isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke>, Mose Karanja <mosekaranja(a)gmail.com> > > > There have also been questions raised about the uber model.. It may work in some scenarios. It may not work so well in others. For instance, there have been claims of exploitation of drivers by uber itself. It was in the news a while back. Which may also be related to the corporate culture we have been used to seeing in the private sector. > > I think the important question to also ask is.. does the disruption mean anything in the bigger picture of things? Does it also point to the fact that we can also drastically re-visit how we do simple things like taxi rides and make them more efficient? Are there elements we are not looking at? > > So pros and cons do exist and I think healthy debates can chart the best ways forward for such disruptive new models. > > On 17 Dec 2015 14:49, "Mose Karanja via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: > Uber disrupted the taxi ecosystem so immensely that some taxi unions started attacks on Uber the company and Uber the product arguing they are taxed and licensed yet their new competitors are not taxed. They hope(d) the regulators would side with their argument. Some did some didn't. > > The Uber-moment is thus (in my world) that point in the life of a disruptive product when the existing dominant player seeks favor from the regulators to block that which 'they can't understand'. > > Cue in Bob Dylan's Times are A Changing :) > > On 17 Dec 2015 13:31, "Paul Roy" <roykoikai(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: > Ebele, > > This is going to open a whole set of regulatory concerns around privacy vs. security. > > Following this keenly! > > Paul Roy. > > On Thu, Dec 17, 2015 at 12:55 PM, Ebele Okobi via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: > Uber moment? Tell me more! > > WhatsApp is protecting the privacy rights of its users-here's a FB post from WhatsApp's founder, Jan Koum (btw, when you get a chance, look up his personal history. It gives a sense of why he is so passionate about the right to privacy.) > > "We are disappointed in the short-sighted decision to cut off access to WhatsApp, a communication tool that so many Brazilians have come to depend on, and sad to see Brazil isolate itself from the rest of the world." > > Ebele Okobi | Head of Public Policy, Africa > m. +44 (0) 771 156 1315 <tel:+44%20(0)%20771%20156%201315> > 10 Brock Street | London <> | NW1 3FG > ebeleokobi(a)fb.com <mailto:[email protected]> > > > > On Dec 17, 2015, at 9:42 AM, Mose Karanja via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: > >> A Brazilian judge has ordered a 48 hour WhatsApp lockdown. >> The order claims WhatsApp refused to cooperate with Law Enforcement agencies on data handover. >> The harshness of the verdict is thus seen as a retaliation to show whois boss. >> However, there is the Telco Lobby pushing for regulation (that word again) of VOIP (WhatsApp calls) under the claim that Brazilians are no longer using voice calls and yet they are taxed for the spectrum which WhatsApp is not being taxed for since it is not classified as a Telco. >> >> You can read more here (in Portuguese): >> http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/2015/12/1719934-justica-determina-bloq… <http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/2015/12/1719934-justica-determina-bloq…> >> >> or here in English >> http://techcrunch.com/2015/12/16/brazils-congress-has-shut-down-whatsapp-to… <http://techcrunch.com/2015/12/16/brazils-congress-has-shut-down-whatsapp-to…> >> >> An Uber-moment for WhatsApp. >> --- >> Moses Karanja | @Mose_Karanja <https://twitter.com/Mose_Karanja> | PGP: 0x1529552F <https://pgp.mit.edu/pks/lookup?op=index&fingerprint=on&search=0x1529552F> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ebeleokobi%40fb.com <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ebeleokobi%40fb.com> >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/roykoikai%40gmail.com <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/roykoikai%40gmail.com> > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > > -- > "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of > luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." > > Roy. > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet> > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ultimateprogramer%40g… <https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ultimateprogramer%40g…> > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > > From: Ebele Okobi <ebeleokobi(a)fb.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Brazilians Locked out of WhatsApp > Date: December 17, 2015 at 3:03:05 PM EAT > To: Mose Karanja <mosekaranja(a)gmail.com> > Cc: Paul Roy <roykoikai(a)gmail.com>, KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke>, "isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke" <isoc(a)lists.my.co.ke> > > > Of course-got it! > I was focusing on the privacy issue, not the operator revenue issue. I do think it's interesting to think of the fact that operators themselves were disrupters. . . > > Ebele Okobi | Head of Public Policy, Africa > m. +44 (0) 771 156 1315 <tel:+44%20(0)%20771%20156%201315> > 10 Brock Street | London <x-apple-data-detectors://0/1> | NW1 3FG > ebeleokobi(a)fb.com <mailto:[email protected]> > > > > On Dec 17, 2015, at 11:48 AM, Mose Karanja <mosekaranja(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: > >> Uber disrupted the taxi ecosystem so immensely that some taxi unions started attacks on Uber the company and Uber the product arguing they are taxed and licensed yet their new competitors are not taxed. They hope(d) the regulators would side with their argument. Some did some didn't. >> >> The Uber-moment is thus (in my world) that point in the life of a disruptive product when the existing dominant player seeks favor from the regulators to block that which 'they can't understand'. >> >> Cue in Bob Dylan's Times are A Changing :) >> >> On 17 Dec 2015 13:31, "Paul Roy" <roykoikai(a)gmail.com <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> Ebele, >> >> This is going to open a whole set of regulatory concerns around privacy vs. security. >> >> Following this keenly! >> >> Paul Roy. >> >> On Thu, Dec 17, 2015 at 12:55 PM, Ebele Okobi via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> Uber moment? Tell me more! >> >> WhatsApp is protecting the privacy rights of its users-here's a FB post from WhatsApp's founder, Jan Koum (btw, when you get a chance, look up his personal history. It gives a sense of why he is so passionate about the right to privacy.) >> >> "We are disappointed in the short-sighted decision to cut off access to WhatsApp, a communication tool that so many Brazilians have come to depend on, and sad to see Brazil isolate itself from the rest of the world." >> >> Ebele Okobi | Head of Public Policy, Africa >> m. +44 (0) 771 156 1315 <tel:+44%20(0)%20771%20156%201315> >> 10 Brock Street | London <> | NW1 3FG >> ebeleokobi(a)fb.com <mailto:[email protected]> >> >> >> >> On Dec 17, 2015, at 9:42 AM, Mose Karanja via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> >>> A Brazilian judge has ordered a 48 hour WhatsApp lockdown. >>> The order claims WhatsApp refused to cooperate with Law Enforcement agencies on data handover. >>> The harshness of the verdict is thus seen as a retaliation to show whois boss. >>> However, there is the Telco Lobby pushing for regulation (that word again) of VOIP (WhatsApp calls) under the claim that Brazilians are no longer using voice calls and yet they are taxed for the spectrum which WhatsApp is not being taxed for since it is not classified as a Telco. >>> >>> You can read more here (in Portuguese): >>> http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/mercado/2015/12/1719934-justica-determina-bloq… <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www1.folha.uol.com.br_m…> >>> >>> or here in English >>> http://techcrunch.com/2015/12/16/brazils-congress-has-shut-down-whatsapp-to… <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__techcrunch.com_2015_12_…> >>> >>> An Uber-moment for WhatsApp. >>> --- >>> Moses Karanja | @Mose_Karanja <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_Mose-5FKar…> | PGP: 0x1529552F <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__pgp.mit.edu_pks_lookup…> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> kictanet mailing list >>> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> >>> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >>> >>> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ebeleokobi%40fb.com <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >>> >>> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >>> >>> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke <mailto:[email protected]> >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/roykoikai%40gmail.com <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.kictanet.or.ke_m…> >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. >> >> >> >> -- >> "Change is slow and gradual. It requires hardwork, a bit of >> luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice and a lot of patience." >> >> Roy. > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet

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Chinese team ducks talks with US envoy
by waudo siganga 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

Interesting headline in today's Daily Nation highlighting intrigues surrounding talks on the Information Technology Agreement at the Nairobi WTO meeting. Ironically no-one seems to be bothered that the host, Kenya, has not signed that agreement that would have led to much more affordable ICT products for consumers. Maybe we are too tiny a speck in the ICT universe.

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Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies
by Josiah Mugambi 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

CBK has taken a stand: https://www.centralbank.go.ke/index.php/news/464-public-on-virtual-currenci… Extract: ++++ The attention of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been drawn to media reports on the use, holding and trading of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin in Kenya. Bitcoin is a form of un-regulated digital currency that is not issued or guaranteed by any government or central bank. Domestic and international money transfer services in Kenya are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya Act and other legislation. In this regard, no entity is currently licensed to offer money remittance services and products in Kenya using virtual currency such as Bitcoin. This is to inform the public that virtual currencies such as Bitcoin are not legal tender in Kenya and therefore no protection exists in the event that the platform that exchanges or holds the virtual currency fails or goes out of business. Some of the risks associated with buying, holding or trading virtual currencies include the following:  Transactions in virtual currencies such as bitcoin are largely untraceable and anonymous making them susceptible to abuse by criminals in money laundering and financing of terrorism.  Virtual currencies are traded in exchange platforms that tend to be unregulated all over the world. Consumers may therefore lose their money without having any legal redress in the event these exchanges collapse or close business.  There is no underlying or backing of assets and the value of virtual currencies is speculative in nature. This may result in high volatility in value of virtual currencies thus exposing users to potential losses. CBK reiterates that Bitcoin and similar products are not legal tender nor are they regulated in Kenya. The public should therefore desist from transacting in Bitcoin and similar products. ++++ -- Josiah Mugambi

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Re: [kictanet] Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies
by meshack emakunat 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

@Watila Alex I think crypto currencies are the most traceable commodity. there only limitation on the matter is the fact that users can use pseudo names to perform transactions regards Meshack On Thursday, December 17, 2015 5:54 AM, Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: On Dec 15, 2015 11:07 AM, "Ngigi Waithaka via kictanet" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: > > Very dicey... > > Let's see... What is MPesa? It's a Virtual Currency that has a 1:1 Mapping with the Kenya Shilling. That's why when I send you MPesa, you don't receive a legal tender, but you know you can convert it to KES at a rate of 1:1 minus the small charges.Mpesa is backed by equivalent shillings deposited to reflect the actual amount in your mpesa account. Let us call mpesa a bank account, because that is what it is. Is your bank balance a legal tender?> > What is Paypal? a Virtual Currency that has a 1:1 mapping with say USDPayPal too is an account that reflects real money controlled by a central bank earned by offering goods or services.> > What is BitCoin? A Virtual Currency that has a *fluctuating* mapping with other currencies e.g 1:130 with USD. > > If I take the risk that BitCoin might fluctuate, a risk we also take when we get paid in USD / Euros etc when in Kenya, why should it be illegal? > > Its just a Virtual Currency, one of many....This is where the analogy gets wrong. Mpesa and PayPal are real cash deposited into an account. The cash is controlled by a central bank depending on the currency.Bitcoin on the other hand is a digital currency that is created and held electronically without an equivalent hard currency cash deposit, unlike the ordinary legal tender, and is not a government-backed unit. Bitcoins are created as a reward for payment processing work in which users offer their computing power to verify and record payments into a public ledger. This activity is called mining and miners are rewarded with transaction fees and newly created bitcoins. A good analogy is the virtual coins you get as a reward when you play computer games like Temple Run. Although bitcouns are obtained by mining, bitcoins can be exchanged for other currencies, products, and services. A better analogy is the way I can sell my mangoes and apples, and IT skills for $$$.All that said, we should accept that bitcoin can provide legitimate financial services.> > Regards > > On Tue, Dec 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM, Josiah Mugambi via kictanet <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: >> >> CBK has taken a stand: >> >> https://www.centralbank.go.ke/index.php/news/464-public-on-virtual-currenci… >> >> Extract: >> >> ++++ >> >> The attention of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has been drawn to media reports >> on the use, holding and trading of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin in Kenya. >> Bitcoin is a form of un-regulated digital currency that is not issued or guaranteed by >> any government or central bank. Domestic and international money transfer >> services in Kenya are regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya Act and other >> legislation. In this regard, no entity is currently licensed to offer money remittance >> services and products in Kenya using virtual currency such as Bitcoin. >> >> This is to inform the public that virtual currencies such as Bitcoin are not legal >> tender in Kenya and therefore no protection exists in the event that the platform that >> exchanges or holds the virtual currency fails or goes out of business. Some of the >> risks associated with buying, holding or trading virtual currencies include the >> following: >>  Transactions in virtual currencies such as bitcoin are largely untraceable and >> anonymous making them susceptible to abuse by criminals in money laundering >> and financing of terrorism. >>  Virtual currencies are traded in exchange platforms that tend to be unregulated >> all over the world. Consumers may therefore lose their money without having >> any legal redress in the event these exchanges collapse or close business. >>  There is no underlying or backing of assets and the value of virtual currencies is >> speculative in nature. This may result in high volatility in value of virtual >> currencies thus exposing users to potential losses. >> >> CBK reiterates that Bitcoin and similar products are not legal tender nor are they >> regulated in Kenya. The public should therefore desist from transacting in Bitcoin >> and similar products. >> ++++ >> >> >> -- >> Josiah Mugambi >> >> _______________________________________________ >> kictanet mailing list >> kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet >> >> Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngigi%40at.co.ke >> >> >> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. >> >> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. > > > > > -- > Regards, > > Waithaka Ngigi > Chief Executive Officer | Alliance Technologies | MCK Nairobi Synod Building > T +254 20 525 0750 |Office Mobile: +254 716 201061 | M +254 737 811 000 > www.at.co.ke > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kivuva%40transworldaf… > > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. > > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/memakunat%40yahoo.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

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Re: [kictanet] Public Notice by CBK on Virtual Currencies
by Mark Kipyegon 17 Dec '15

17 Dec '15

The peer to peer nature of bitcoin is designed to remove the need of a central regulatory authority. The blockchain [1] that supports bitcoin covers the risk of not having a central authority i.e. a trusted third party by recording every bitcoin transaction in the public domain. For those who wish to learn more, the original paper on bitcoin is available online [2] [1] http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/blockchain.asp [2] https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf On 17/12/2015 09:24, kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke wrote: > > I may not agree with your assertion on the traceable of the currency. the users can trace and track their transaction more clearly and openly than the paper money transactions that have great attention in trade. the difference that people fail to und3erstand is that they are crypto currencies and that only if you are in it then can you argue as you say. in simple terms they are a hidden currency and that only two persons can trade a bitcoin rather than the third party. these leaves the "wanna be" third party left out and remains clueless, hence the argument that they cannot be traced.I agree with you that in future the currency should give room for third party. i.e a regulatory body in these case. these will help to foster trust for its use in the economy. > >

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