[kictanet] PRE KIGF ONLINE DISCUSSION DAY 1 - INTERNET SHUTDOWNS

[kanini mutemi]

I don't think there's a real fear for a shutdown- complete or partial. Why?

1. Why shutdown the internet when you can manipulate the information
accessible to the populace?

2. Both sides of the political divide benefit immensely from the business
of fake news (we shall discuss this in detail tomorrow). Shutting down the
internet (especially Facebook) would be shutting down one of the main
campaign strategies hence possible loss of the Trump factor.

If there was to be a shutdown however, it wouldn't be a government document
worded 'Order to Shut down the Internet'. Unlikely.  Initiatives such as
this
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/amp/article/2001241352/ncic-provides-gadgets-to-monitor-hate-mongers

form a convenient background for an internet shutdown.

One has to remember that the rights at the core of Internet Access (Access
to Information, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Association) are not
inalienable rights (Article 25 of the Constitution). A 'public order' or
'public safety' justification is therefore feasible through legislation.

Effect - for a good percentage of the population will be zero. VPN is too
easily accessible now. Ugandan grandmothers now know what VPN is (WhatsApp
is THAT important). A shutdown Might actually backfire on an incumbent
government seeking re-election. You don't need one more reason to enrage
potential voters in the run up to elections unless you intend to win
elections through  means other than secret ballot. 😊

At the end of the day, when a government enforces a blackout during
elections- could it be that someone  is cleaning the ballot boxes?

On Tue, 27 Jun 2017 at 08:33 Ronald Ojino via kictanet <
kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

> Greetings Listers,
>
> Hope you are psyched up for today’s discussion on Internet Shutdowns
> especially during the election period. With such shutdowns, mobile
> communications, popular social networks among other forms of communication
> can be halted effectively crippling information exchange across the nation.
>
> It is our desire that you share your aspirations, expectations, experience
> and suggestions with regard to Internet shutdowns:
>
> a) Is there a real fear of this happening in Kenya?
>
> b) Is there any legal basis if any (laws) that can legitimize such
> shutdowns?
>
> c) What are the implications on the electoral process?
>
> d) What options do the public have to access the Internet if shutdown
> happens?
>
> Looking forward to your active participation.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Ronald Ojino
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>
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>
-- 
*Mercy Mutemi, Advocate*.
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