[kictanet] Internet Governace - .KE Online Discussion Report

[John Walubengo]

full report @ 
http://www.eaigf.or.ke/images/stories/Kenya_Online_IGF_Discussions_Report.pdf
-----Executive Summary Begins-------

For many developing countries, the Internet is really an emerging, possibly a fringe phenomena whose implications are rarely prioritized. And so when one moves to talk about how it should be governed - that is Internet Governance – it only makes things more complicated for developing countries that are struggling and can barely afford the basic necessities such as food, health, education and security for its citizens. And yet, if
well understood and harnessed, the Internet does hold the secret to unlock most developing nations out of their struggling socio-economic realities.

KICTAnet commissioned this online deliberation on Internet Governance in order to provide a platform for understanding and exchanging ideas around the issues that are currently being passionately debated by countries and stakeholders who know and appreciate the socio-economic power of the Internet. In particular, the discussions revolved around Infrastructure, Legal, Economic and Socio-cultural issues of Internet Governance.

On the Infrastructure issues it was acknowledged that whereas the Internet was largely developed in America/Europe it has since grown into a global phenomenon – hence the need to reform its governance structures. In particular, the oversight control the US enjoyed through ICANN over the Root-Severs, the Internet Protocol (IP) address space amongst others was highly contested. Increased policy and technical engagement in organizations such as IGF, ITU, ICANN, IETF amongst others was seen as possible intervention points for agitating governance reforms. 

With respect to the Legal and Security issues, it was felt that combating internet security issues was highly challenged by low levels of security awareness and even lower demand for implementing technically superior solutions such as Digital Signatures across Internet resources and applications. The need for an international approach towards containing
e-Crimes was underscored and the creation of regional Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRT) recommended. Lack of electronic legislative framework to cater for e-Transactions, e-Crimes and Data Protection were also cited as impediments towards attaining a secure Information Society.

On the Socio-economic and cultural themes, it was observed that electronic networks should be developed to enhance communication within regions that were already trading within their geographic space. The challenges arising from electronic trading were discussed comprehensively and included e-Taxation Policies, Consumer Protection Rights, eLearning, promotion of the Multi-lingual Internet amongst others. The highly prohibitive Internet Interconnection Charges were discussed and creation of Internet
Exchange Points (IXP) commended.

It is hoped that this initiating discussion on Internet Governance has raised awareness, stimulated interest and provided basic knowledge to stakeholders with regard to the global issues of Internet Governance. More specialized working groups would be required to ensure the various positions shared are streamlined and effectively presented at the International forums.

----ends----

walu.