[kictanet] Telcos regulator seeks to monitor WhatsApp

Fri Nov 2 13:16:44 EAT 2018

Thanks Wambua.

Just to clarify, and even rubbish that article, we need to understand that
a platform like whatsapp uses end to end encryption, and cannot be snooped
on, not even by Facebook.

End-to-end encryption

When end-to-end encrypted, your messages, photos, videos, voice messages,
documents, status updates and calls are secured from falling into the wrong
hands.

WhatsApp end-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you're
communicating with can read what's sent, and nobody in between, not even
WhatsApp. Your messages are secured with locks, and only the recipient and
you have the special keys needed to unlock and read your messages. For
added protection, every message you send has an unique lock and key. All of
this happens automatically: No need to turn on settings or set up special
secret chats to secure your messages.

Important: End-to-end encryption is always activated. There's no way to
turn off end-to-end encryption.

OK, Now that we have debunked the possibility of CA reading your whatsapp,
let us look at the types of regulations CA can put on over the top
services. Remember Uganda social media tax? What about Ethiopia restriction
of Skype? Yes those are the two most popular regulatory interventions that
backward regimes use.

1. Censorship, filtering, and blockage

2. Taxation

On Fri, Nov 2, 2018, 11:50 AM Wambua, Christopher via kictanet <
kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

> Listers
>
> For purposes of clarity on the objects of the tender in question,  I wish
> to refer listers to  the public tender document which is available on CA’s
> website at
> https://ca.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Consultancy-Services-For-The-Study-On-Over-The-Top-OTTs-Technologies-Services-In-Kenya.pdf
>
> In brief, the Authority, under its strategic objective of enabling
> widespread deployment of infrastructure and services through promotion of
> new and emerging technologies, plans to undertake a study to determine the
> regulatory mechanisms that can be employed to cater for new and emerging
> areas with specific focus on over the top services.  The consultant shall
> be expected to propose the regulatory approach that the Authority can take
> in respect to OTTs. CA takes this opportunity to invite listers who meet
> the requirements set out in the tender documents to submit their bids by
> 14th November 2018.
>
> CA wishes to assure listers that we have not interest whatsoever in
> snooping  into your WhatsApp conversations as that would be against the
> spirit and letter of the constitution. We have however noted that the
> headlines on the articles on this tender are misleading, and the Authority
> is taking up this matter with the respective editors.
>
> I hope this clarification puts this matter to rest.
>
> Regards
>
>
>
>
> Christopher Wambua
>
> Ag. Director/Consumer & Public Affairs | Consumer and Public Affairs
>
> [image: Description: Description:
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>
> Tel: +254 20 4242000/284
>
> Office Mobile: +254 730 042284/
>
>                        +254 730172284
>
> P.O. Box 14448 Nairobi 00800
>
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> <wambua at ca.go.ke> *[image: Description: Description:
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> Authority of Kenya <https://www.facebook.com/CAOKenya?ref=hl> [image:
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> From: kictanet <kictanet-bounces+wambua=ca.go.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke> on
> behalf of KICTAnet Discussions <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> Reply-To: KICTAnet Discussions <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> Date: Friday, 2 November 2018 at 05:07
> To: Christopher Wambua <wambua at ca.go.ke>
> Cc: Ali Hussein <ali at hussein.me.ke>
> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Telcos regulator seeks to monitor WhatsApp
>
> @GG
>
> Thanks for sharing. I’m curious as to what the world is coming to.
> Everyone wants to snoop and regulate. Can the CA tell us what’s the major
> value proposition to increasing  snooping on us?
>
> Regulators need to spend more time enabling the sector they are supposed
> to grow and the CA has really been progressive in many ways. Once in a
> while though they try to go back to the bad old KANU days. The onus is on
> us to remind them that Kenyans shut that door kitambo sana.
>
> *Ali Hussein*
> *Principal*
> *AHK & Associates*
> +254 0713 601113
>
> Twitter: @AliHKassim
>
> Skype: abu-jomo
>
> LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
>
> "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a
> habit."  ~ Aristotle
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On 1 Nov 2018, at 10:57 PM, Grace Githaiga via kictanet <
> kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:
>
> Kenya is considering regulating online services such as WhatsApp and Skype
> in a radical move that could force the internet-based service providers to
> share data with the government.
>
> The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is in search of a consultant to
> study and determine how the so-called over-the-top services (OTTS) operated
> by groups such as Facebook, which runs WhatsApp, and Skype owner Microsoft,
> could be regulated.
> Read on:
> https://www.nation.co.ke/business/Telcos-regulator-seeks-to-monitor-WhatsApp/996-4833020-fn9u7s/index.html
>
>
>
>
>
> Best regards
>
>
> Githaiga, Grace
>
>
> Co-Convenor
> Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet)
> Twitter:@ggithaiga
> Tel: 254722701495
> Skype: gracegithaiga
> Alternate email: ggithaiga at hotmail.com
> Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegithaiga
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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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