Dear Listers,

Some of the key areas KICTANet is focusing on to build a strong digital future.

• The United Nations has taken a step towards regulating the digital world with the launch of the Global Digital Compact. This comprehensive framework aims to govern artificial intelligence (AI) and establish principles for responsible digital cooperation.

Key Points

• AI Governance: The Compact proposes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI to guide its development and use.
• Tech Company Responsibilities: Tech companies are urged to enhance transparency, accountability, and content moderation practices. They should also work to counter potential harms from AI-generated content, such as hate speech and discrimination.
• Open Source and Innovation: The Compact promotes open-source technologies and innovation, encouraging tech companies to share their designs publicly.
• Internet Connectivity: The UN commits to connecting everyone to the internet, emphasizing increased financial investment in developing countries.
• Digital Skills: The Compact outlines the need for national digital skills strategies to equip people with the necessary knowledge for the digital age.
• Protecting Children: The Compact calls for action against online violence, hate speech, misinformation, and child sexual exploitation.
• Collaboration and Cooperation: The Compact encourages collaboration among governments, tech companies, and international organizations to ensure a safe, secure, and human-centred digital future. More highlights.
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• KICTANet with support from the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, is championing initiatives that empower marginalized communities, including women, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Equipping them with digital skills and technology for full participation in the digital world.
  
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• We are advocating for reforms promoting:
  • Open Access: Widespread and affordable digital resources.
  • Security: Protecting users and their data online.
  • Human Rights: Safeguarding fundamental rights like freedom of expression online.
  • We are also analysing existing regulations' impact on Kenya's digital development.
    
    
    
• Building a Skilled Digital Workforce: KICTANet through its capacity-building pillar, we are equipping Kenyans with digital skills. Here are some of our upcoming events: Empowering SJOs in Kenya to Detect, Investigate, and Track Malicious Infrastructure. Digital Safety and Privacy Workshop

• Combating Misinformation and Strengthening Communication: We are trying to address the challenges of misinformation in the digital age.
• Sustainable Digital Future

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Beyond these highlights, we have been covering perspectives from:

• East African Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF) 2024: Discussions on youth empowerment, data analysis, legacy media challenges, and building a multistakeholder digital future.
• Maisha Namba Project: Balancing modernization with public trust in Kenya's new identification system.

Visit KICTANet's website for deeper dives into these topics and their insightful analysis, research reports, and advocacy efforts.

Kind Regards,

David Indeje

@KICTANet Communications 
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+254 (0) 711 385 945 |  +254 (0) 734 024 856

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