[kictanet] [Big tech is hacking minds for profit] addiction algorithms and subversive content are NOT human rights!

[Patrick A. M. Maina]

Listers,
Big-tech lobbyists have become so adept at hacking the human brain (social engineering) that they have convinced civil society activists and even some critical government institutions (e.g. constitutional courts) that their commercial interests are "human rights" and that their unregulated operations are a manifestation "free speech" and/or "democratic ideals". 

This is complete brainwash and very regrettable given that it unethically subverts, distorts and distracts society from rational discourse regarding critical issues like free speech, democracy and human rights. 

The consequence of Big tech's irresponsible profit-seeking continue to accumulate - globally: 

Question for Internet NGOs: Are you really protecting the internet, or are you protecting FANG business interests? Why are you not speaking up more about the negative impact of FANG-type business models on society and the internet?

CNN: "People could easily become radicalized before social media. Many are still radicalized without it. But social media, often in combination with other factors, has proven itself an efficient radicalizer, in part because it allows for the easy formation of communities and in part because of its algorithms, used to convince people to stay just a little longer, watch one more video, click one more thing, generate a little more advertising revenue."

 https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/17/tech/youtube-facebook-twitter-radicalization-new-zealand/index.html
Did Zimbabwe court get it wrong on the internet? Social media apps are not the internet. 
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001310324/court-says-internet-shutdown-during-protests-illegal
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There are increasing concerns that screen-based learning could be risky for young children (especially below 14 years)... From blue screen eye damage issues, to ergonomics (spine / posture / small text), unintended stifling of creativity, and so on. Perhaps Kenya's laptop program would best benefit High school students from grade 10 (Form 1) and above?

"Silicon Valley parents are raising their kids tech-free — and it should be a red flag."
https://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-valley-parents-raising-their-kids-tech-free-red-flag-2018-2?IR=T
"In 2007, Bill Gates, the former CEO of Microsoft, implemented a cap on screen time when his daughter started developing an unhealthy attachment to a video game. Later it became family policy not to allow kids to have their own phones until they turned 14."

"Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple until his death in 2012, revealed in a 2011 New York Times interview that he prohibited his kids from using the newly-released iPad. "We limit how much technology our kids use at home."
"Tim "Apple" Cook, the current Apple CEO, said in January that he doesn't allow his nephew to join online social networks. The comment followed those of other tech luminaries, who have condemned social media as detrimental to society."
The damage being caused to our children's brains, by uncontrolled exposure to algorithms  is massive and at an unprecedented scale. This might turn out to be worse than what the Tobacco industry did before they got regulated.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001316924/kenyan-parents-sweat-over-children-s-smart-phone-use
There needs to be a policy definition of what the internet is and especially what it is not - so that when dangerous platforms are shut down, the civil society does not get tricked to pursue ruthless corporate interests thinking that they are "defending internet freedoms", "free speech" or "democracy".

Brgds,Patrick.
Patrick A. M. Maina
[Cross Domain Innovator | Independent Policy Analyst - Indigenous Innovations]








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