[kictanet] Internet Governace - .KE Online Discussion Report

[John Walubengo]

by the way, members are encouraged to review the bigger document and email me their changes/comments/reviews before the bigger meeting (Regional IG Forum) next week Monday 10th Nov 08 where the final report will be circulated.

walu.

--- On Mon, 11/3/08, John Walubengo <jwalu at yahoo.com> wrote:

> From: John Walubengo <jwalu at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re:Internet Governace - .KE Online Discussion Report
> To: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> Date: Monday, November 3, 2008, 11:29 AM
> 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.