By Tusi Fokane | The global infodemic accelerated in part by the Covid-19 pandemic has raised important debates on how best to respond to the proliferation of false and misleading information online. The Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression addressed the critical […] Read more

Open Letter | The increasing involvement of foreign entities in undermining democracy and respect for human rights in the digital sphere in Africa is widely documented. Whereas these schemes have mostly been attributed to spyware vendors and data analytics firms, recent disclosures have implicated the European Union (EU). Investigations by Privacy International have revealed the […] Read more

IGF 2020 | Over the past few decades, the rapid adoption of digital technologies has transformed how people engage with one another socially, politically, and economically. This transition is particularly notable in times of crisis that restricts personal movement, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, when internet connectivity and the digital ecosystem around it becomes indispensable […] Read more

IGF 2020 | Accessibility and Universal Design are directly linked to the amplification of inequality and disadvantage of persons with disabilities through digital transformations. In order to leverage the potentials of Information and communications technology (ICT) for social inclusion, ways have to be identified to increase accessibility and beneficial usage by marginalized groups including people with disabilities. Join […] Read more

By Ashnah Kalemera | In its third round, the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF) has awarded USD 138,000 to 11 initiatives responding to the digital rights fallout from the fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). The grantees’ interventions span 22 African countries – the largest geographic footprint of the Fund yet – and address a […] Read more

By Melissa Zisengwe | Africa has a growing civic tech community that focuses on issues such as accountability and transparency, data journalism, citizen participation, and public services monitoring. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, various technologies have been deployed by citizens, civil society organisation, start-ups, private companies, universities and governments to aid the fight against COVID-19.  […] Read more

CIPESA Writer | Since the first case of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was announced in Tanzania on March 16, 2020, the government has been in the spotlight for its handling of the pandemic. It has denied the severity of the pandemic, suspended media houses, and criminalised Covid-19-related speech through enactment and enforcement of repressive regulations.  […] Read more

Announcement | The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is pleased to announce the Women At Web Uganda (#WomenAtWebUg) Masterclass and Reporting Grant Programme. The two-phase programme builds on research conducted and engagements held as part of the Women At Web project of the DW. The first phase of the programme […] Read more

By Jimmy Kainja | The spread of false or misleading information online is due to various reasons. A recent BBC study on fake news in Africa found that sharing news online can be socially validating; because “being the first to share a story in your group of friends, showing others you are in the know […] Read more

Call for Applications | We are pleased to announce an open call for applicants to participate in a Disinformation and Human Rights Online Training series run by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and Global Partners Digital (GPD). To apply, please submit an application form here by  9 October 2020 at midnight EAT.To allow for interactive […] Read more