News: Access to information
JOB OPPORTUNITY: African ICT policy advocacy coordinator
APC is looking for someone with extensive experience in the ICT policy field in Africa, strong networking and outreach skills and experience and expertise in advocacy, research, capacity building and strategic communications.
No copyrights without human rights - APC joins the SOPA blackout
On January 18th, APC joined dozens of sites and organisations in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect-IP Act (PIPA) by blacking out. These two bills, if passed, represent an unprecedented threat to the open internet as we know it, with impacts felt far beyond the borders of the United States.
SMS cut off in DRC detrimental to ending violence against women
SMS services have been suspended in the Democratic Republic of Congo allegedly to prevent the spread of electoral related rumours. Cutting access to communications is a violation of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of information protected under the DRC constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
E-waste in Egypt: How do you solve a problem you can't quantify?
ICT related e-waste in Egypt is a growing problem, but addressing it is difficult since there is no official research or data on the subject, says a new report written by ArabDev for the APC. APCNews talks to author Leila Hassanin about putting e-waste on the policy map.
Digital transition in Senegal – let’s not forget the social costs
For developing countries, digital broadcasting migration is yet another issue in a long list of challenges. In a new report written by Coura Fall for APC, the ICT (information and communication technology) expert explains that the transition presents more than economic challenges. Social challenges must also be taken into account.
APC calls for the immediate release of Alaa Abd El-Fattah
APC condemns the imprisonment of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, an influential Egyptian activist and blogger and long-time APC collaborator, for his conscientious objection to the use of military courts to try civilians in Egypt.
First things first: Nigeria needs a regulatory framework to continue digital migration
Nigeria has been ahead of the game when it comes to digital broadcast migration, and has set itself the bold target of completing the migration by June 2012. But a new report by APC reveals that things are not moving because the policy framework still has not been approved, meaning that Nigeria will not likely meet its target.
To DVB-T or not to DVB-T? Ghanaian committee must make up its mind
As West Africa’s fifteen countries migrate to digital TV by 2015, the people responsible for the change-over in Ghana have been struggling to determine which technology to use. Meanwhile the process hasn’t developed much and most Ghanaians have not been informed of this upcoming migration, says the author of new research carried out for APC.
Rural realities, real solutions: ICT4D conference in Johannesburg
The 7th edition of APC member SANGONeT’s ICT4RD 2011 confronts the realities of rural development and explores the innovative use of ICTs to catalyse the growth of ICT4RD solutions for scale from November 1-3.
TV white spaces can open up low-cost high-speed internet across Africa: All we need is the regulatory go-ahead
“We have the skills, the entrepreneurs, a spectrum model we can replicate, the standards, the technology and clearly we have the demand,” said South African Henk Kleynhans in the wake of a TV white spaces workshop in Johannesburg last week. “All we need is a regulatory go-ahead.”
Recommendations made at the WATRA workshop on the migration to digital broadcasting in West Africa
West-African countries are currently in a race against time to switch from analogue to digital broadcasting. A one-day regional workshop held by the West African Telecoms Regulators Assembly (WATRA) and ECOWAS helped establish recommendations and steps for going forward to help those countries undergoing the transition.
APC member Colnodo condemns anti-piracy law
“APC member Colnodo has issued a report about Colombia’s controversial “two strikes” bill. Under this law, file-sharers caught with copyrighted content can lose their internet connections or even face jail time.” See full article in Spanish.
Digital broadcast transitioning: The benefits – and the obstacles
Africa has committed to move to digital broadcasting by June 2015. In West Africa, very few countries have begun the migration. Rife with challenges, the process is daunting to most, with the benefits largely unclear. A new paper from APC and Balancing Act investigates.
Issue papers for Southern African IGF good preparation for Nairobi
New issue papers on cloud computing, mobile phones, privacy and security, critical internet resources, and access and diversity are a good introduction to some of the issues upcoming at the Sixth Internet Governance Forum.
Digital TV in West Africa: Who's taking the plunge and how?
Of West Africa’s sixteen countries, only a handful have committed in earnest to the move to digital broadcasting – though all African states have signed up to undertake the migration by June 2015. New research from APC with Balancing Act gives an overview of the state of the transition and recommendations for countries.
Dot.Africa? First Southern African IGF starts Sept 1
On September 1-3 the first ever Southern African Internet Governance Forum kicks off in Johannesburg in preparation for the global UN internet forum to be held in Kenya.
APC member wins $1 million award for work in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
APC member in Kenya, the Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN), which provides knowledge and information through a variety of innovative channels in remote communities throughout Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania has received the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 2011 Access to Learning Award.
Turkey abandons unpopular filtering software
Turkey abandons plans to install mandatory filtering software after months of widespread protest. The reversal of this controversial policy shows the power of determined advocacy.
London Riots: Social media does not cause social problems say APC and GreenNet
Following last week’s riots, British PM David Cameron said that his government is considering a crackdown on online communications. However he forgets that the same websites and phone networks were also used to locate friends and plan safe exits from trouble-spots. APC and GreenNet issue a statement.
TV white space spectrum workshop looks at Kenya and South Africa
Unused TV white spaces could be the way to get highspeed wireless internet to millions living outside major African cities. Manufacturers are gearing up for mass production of white space devices and now is the time to act. APC and partners are coordinating an important workshop for govt officials, regulators and professionals in October.
