An interesting piece that raises the question of who should be assigned the role of Big Brother[1]? Part of the problem is that many local agencies have poor mechanisms of updating and alerting the public, for example through their own websites. Obtaining information through convenient social media platforms becomes the norm without any fallback references. This list is an example of a space for open constructive discussion under local control. More such spaces are needed. A critical and informed citizenry are the long term solution, but even with an informed citizenry, information overload makes propagation of fear, uncertainty and doubt easy. Attached image modified from[2] and available under licensi ya sanaa huru! [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Brother_(Nineteen_Eighty-Four) [2] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1984-Big-Brother.jpg On 12/11/21 10:21 PM, Mwendwa Kivuva via KICTANet wrote:

Abdulmalik Sugow and Dr. Isaac Rutenberg of Strathmore's CIPIT have penned a very insightful piece on regulating hate speech and incitement to violence.

They go ahead to explain the legislation in place, and the role of social media platforms to self regulate, develop and enforce guidelines, and the challenges of letting foreign entities enforce hate speech, and platforms' free speech rights in the jurisdiction in which they are established, combined with algorithms bias, because the platforms' algorithms are rarely optimized for local context or “foreign” speech nuances and customs. An example is Kenya with over 42 languages, these platforms are at pains to self-regulate local languages leaving hate speech at the mercy of locals to report, flag, or downrank inappropriate content.

Then there is the problem of balancing free expression with the fundamental freedoms of the citizens. Where do you draw the line?

Some of the recommendations are for social media platforms to collaborate with government agencies like NC4, NCIC, and IEBC, and civil society to building the capacity of social media platforms’ content moderation tools used in Kenya and fostering transparency in the conduct of these platforms to enable oversight. Civil society would also serve to hold both government and platforms accountable for their conduct. Political actors should also collaborate with civil society to engage the citizenry in civic education.

Read more at: https://www.theelephant.info/features/2021/12/10/safeguarding-kenyas-elector... <https://www.theelephant.info/features/2021/12/10/safeguarding-kenyas-electoral-democracy-in-the-digital-age-regulating-hate-speech-and-incitement-to-violence/> The Elephant - Speaking truth to power.

NB: Excuse typos. Sent on the go via a mobile device.

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