[kictanet] Is the UN (Read Governments) the Next Big Threat to Internet Freedom?

[alice at apc.org]

Dear Michuki and all
Last year we had attempted to start discussions on this issue when we shared the history and background of the ITR's and current issues and proposals to renew just before the first regional preparatory meeting that took place in Cairo. The second and belive the last took place in Durban last month.
Anyway this is probably the best time to begin discussions on the key areas and get contributions from various stakeholders, we have done this quite well, working with various public institutions to contribute to policy and regulatory processes.
We will pick up these discussions again, now that there is interest, as part of preparation for the Kenya IGF next week.

Best
Alice
-----Original Message-----
From: Michuki Mwangi <michuki at swiftkenya.com>
Sender: "kictanet" <kictanet-bounces+alice=apc.org at lists.kictanet.or.ke>Date: Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:50:11 
To: <alice at apc.org>
Reply-To: michuki at swiftkenya.com
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Is the UN (Read Governments) the Next Big Threat to
 Internet Freedom?

Hi Ali, Walu, et al,

On 6/5/12 6:50 PM, Ali Hussein wrote:
> Walu
> 
> Thank you. That is definitely a nice piece on this issue.  I'm still
> amazed at the loud silence from Government side (despite Daktari's
> protestations to the contrary). Whatever position it is surely we must
> know as they are a representative of the people.
> 

It is probably best to call a spade a spade. IMHO as a stakeholder and
user of the Internet, you and others on this list have an opportunity to
arm the Kenyan Government with a position that will serve in your best
interest at the WCIT.

I think the honors are on this list and the community to come up with a
position that is representative of our interests. KICTANET was highly
instrumental in the National ICT Policy process and i do not see why the
same cannot be done on significant global policies that directly related
to the Internet.

For instance, on 31st May there was a congressional hearing on the same
topic and experts were invited to give testimonies and provide
recommendations. For more please see ...
http://energycommerce.house.gov/hearings/hearingdetail.aspx?NewsID=9543

That goes to show how important for some countries.

I do not agree that having no position is a position. The reason being
that at the WCIT all 193 ITU member states (including Kenya) each have a
vote. In case the vote needs to be cast, i would want to know that our
Government is voting along our positions interests and not based on
swaying issues on the floor or which issues were lobbied for the most.

Even more interesting it would be good to hear the thoughts of most on

1. What issues should NOT be supported at the WCIT
2. What issues SHOULD be supported at the WCIT
3. What should issues should we be proposing and supporting for Africa.

My 2 Cents.

Michuki.

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