[kictanet] Netflix KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions

Thu Jan 14 12:02:13 EAT 2016

@RosemaryYou raise an important issue here: research! I am not sure that even the sector regulator has such a department. Time to consider having this important department(s) so that whenever some pronouncements are made publicly, they can be supported with evidence. 
RgdsGG

Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2016 17:32:39 +0300
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Netflix KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
From: kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke
CC: chemukoechk at gmail.com
To: ggithaiga at hotmail.com

Hi, As a new member to the list has been amazing to read the various points of view on this matter.
My take is that i feel that regulators are losing touch with reality by failing to engage relevant stakeholders before decisions are made. My first concern is do we have research teams in our regulatory bodies who actually sit and advice on modern trends before they come up with opinions which lead to regulations? If so do they have the right people assisting them to get the correct and relevant information? Do they engage in research to see how other jurisdictions have handled the issues and maybe question if they can make improvements or at least make informed decisions? 
As a lawyer there is an intrinsic understanding of the fact that regulations must be responsive to the trends of the day otherwise the law becomes an ass(the donkey's relative).
There must be a push to ensure that there is a reasonable approach to all issues and in my opinion the communication authority is acting like a voice of reason. To show the levels of disconnect by the KFCB they even used an analogy of radicalization to justify the regulation of Netflix. Someone somewhere is clearly not doing their homework.
Yes there is a need to ensure morality but I doubt reacting like a high handed pariah state will help. If Netflix begins to partner with local providers then regulation will be justified however if they continue as an over the top (OTT) service then the regulators have no jurisdiction.
Roemary Koech-Kimwatu +254718181644/771632344Linkein:Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu

On Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 3:03 PM, Ali Hussein via kictanet <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Brian
Umesema kama watu kumi. (Spoken like 10 wise men)

Ali HusseinPrincipalHussein & Associates+254 0713 601113 / 0770906375
Twitter: @AliHKassimSkype: abu-jomoLinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassimBlog: www.alyhussein.com

"Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought".  ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi
Sent from my iPad
On 13 Jan 2016, at 1:06 PM, Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe at gmail.com> wrote:

Hi all,

I think that one fundamental (and very important) point that most of the people demanding regulation for Netflix overlook is that Netflix has not "come to Kenya". They are not present in the country in any form or shape. They have simply "allowed" Kenyans access to their content - which is hosted outside of Kenya - in response to many years of demand. There is therefore no basis (legal or otherwise) for us to try impose any conditions on them regarding their services.

Please, let us be clear what we are talking about.

Best regards,

Brian

On Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 11:18 AM, Ali Hussein via kictanet <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
Linda
Please see my responses against your comments

Ali HusseinPrincipalHussein & Associates+254 0713 601113 / 0770906375
Twitter: @AliHKassimSkype: abu-jomoLinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassimBlog: www.alyhussein.com

"Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought".  ~ Albert Szent-Györgyi
Sent from my iPad
On 13 Jan 2016, at 8:10 AM, Linda Ochieng <lindaochieng at yahoo.com> wrote:

I have been following your discussions here and my  thoughts specifically  on Netflix  and online streaming are as follows:
One, as a distributor of audio visual content, Netflix
must adhere to the regulations governing distribution of such content in line
with all the laws of the Republic of Kenya, irrespective of the type of medium
they are using to make that content available to their target consumers. That
is the only way the firm’s operations in the country can be legal. As you know,  the law
applies across the board and does not exempt foreign firms, or users of online
platforms.
Ali - Internet Governance issues are in play here and it's not cut and dried as you put. That's why you are seeing two regulators disagreeing. Why don't we then go ahead and also regulate all the other OTT (Over the Top) services like YouTube, Facebook video etc? 

Two, it is in interest of the country to protect our
cyberspace against infiltration with content that is overly violent and
damaging to our national values and morals and security. I a reliably informed  that most of the
movies distributed via some of these streaming services are rated as suitable
for children, yet they have scenes that should not be shown to children. That
is rather unfortunate, given that most of our children have access to the
Internet. Whose interest are we protecting then when we support such content?
Ali - There is no 'our cyberspace'. That's why it's called the World Wide Web. This suggestion to Balkanise the Internet is to the detriment of us all. We should fight it with all we have.

Three and of  even greater concern is the fact that British media
reports have in fact indicated that some of the content circulating on these
platforms requires secret codes to access, raising considerable suspicion as to
what kind of information that is to be distributed in such an overt manner. What is the motive of making the information secret, beyond the subscription restrictions, we should ask?
Ali - As Uhuru said - Policing should start with us. This business of us asking the government to decide for us everything even what we watch in our sitting rooms is a recipe for disaster. We don't want a Morality Police in our country. It starts with you and I. Let's desist from this mentality of 'Serikali saidia'! 

Four, there is   concern over  growing levels of pornographic material available in the country mainly originating from other countries. The source is online platforms.  This  should worry
every good citizen. Radicalization is also one other major concern in online
channels of content distribution. This is the reason why KFCB and CA should be
given all the support they require by all stakeholders to ensure this kind of
content is classified and regulated appropriately. In any case, who is not affected by these challenges?
Ali - True. It starts with us. Regulators are not supposed to enter our homes and police us. It's instructive that KFCB and CA are reading from the same script.
As I have said, everyone is bound by the law. As it is now, all content coming into the country is subject to the laws of Kenya. Without exception. Clearly then, if Netflix fails to submit their
content for classification as expected by the law, their operations in Kenya will
be illegal and must in that event face the full force of the laws of Kenya.  Let us not be against regulation without
considering its benefits to our country.
Again true. However, regulators need to also understand that the script has changed. There is a new dispensation afoot. And they need to get on with the program. The days of the telegram are gone. The ITU as we know it also needs to reinvent itself. The CA fortunately is showing us positives (I'm willing to give them the benefit of doubt when it comes to some of the decisions and draft laws they come up. After all we are not perfect!) and they really need to continue in the same vein.

Regards
LindaAmazon Tech Heights. Org
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.

KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. 		 	   		  
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