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 <https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mwendwa-kivuva_governing-ai-for-humanity-insights-from-activity-7243379529002471424-Gtw6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop> . _________________________________________ - KICTANet with support from the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, is championing initiatives that empower marginalized communities <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/uk-invests-ksh640-million-to-bridge-digital-divide-in-busia-and-mandera/>, including women, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Equipping them with digital skills and technology for full participation in the digital world. ___________________________________________ - 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. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/building-a-digitally-inclusive-future-key-takeaways-from-the-eaigf-2024/> - We are also analysing existing regulations' <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/ict-sector-working-group-report-launched-part-ii/> 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 <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/empowering-sjos-in-kenya-to-detect-investigate-and-track-malicious-infrastructure/>. Digital Safety and Privacy Workshop <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kictanet-and-apc-our-voices-our-future-safety-and-privacy-training/> - *Combating Misinformation and Strengthening Communication:* We are trying to address the challenges of misinformation in the digital age. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/harnessing-femtech-for-good-navigating-data-privacy-challenges/> - *Sustainable Digital Future <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/greening-the-internet-for-east-africas-sustainable-digital-future/>* *________________________________________________* *Beyond these highlights, we have been covering perspectives from:* - *East African Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF) 2024:* Discussions on youth empowerment <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/eaigf-2024-empowering-youth-for-a-people-centred-digital-future-in-east-africa/>, data analysis <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/eaigf-2024-insights-from-a-data-analysts-perspective/>, legacy media challenges, and building a multistakeholder digital future. - *Maisha Namba Project:* Balancing modernization with public trust in Kenya's new identification system. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/maisha-namba-project-a-balancing-act-between-modernization-and-public-trust/> *Visit KICTANet's website <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/>* for deeper dives into these topics and their insightful analysis, research reports <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/reports/>, and advocacy efforts. -- *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> ______________________________________