Online Users

Advancing Internet Freedom in Africa Through the Universal Periodic Review: Lessons and Gaps

By CIPESA Staff Writer |

Since its establishment in 2006, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) has provided a unique process for reviewing the human rights records of all United Nations (UN) Member States. Over the years, however, there has been limited participation by African civil society in the review process. In particular, there is limited work by African actors to promote internet freedom through this process.

Accordingly,…

High Court Sets aside Internet Shutdown Directives

Zimbabwe News Update |

High Court judge Justice Owen Tagu on 21 January 2019 ruled that the Minister of State in the President’s Office Responsible for National Security does not have the authority to issue any directives in terms of the Interception of Communications Act.

This means that the directives issued by Minister Owen Ncube to shut down the Internet in Zimbabwe…

Half the World is Online. Now We Must Make the Web Work for Everyone, Everywhere.

News Update |

Just over one month ago, the Web Foundation made headlines when we revealed that less than half of the global population was online. The shocking statistic was a rallying point for the launch of the Contract for the Web — a new collaborative project that brings together governments, companies, civil society organisations and citizens around the world to collectively define our responsibilities towards…

Why Uganda’s Government Should Take a Different Path to Social Media and Mobile Money Taxation

Statement |

There has been widespread concern over newly introduced levies on social media access and mobile money transactions in Uganda, which are widely considered a threat to internet access and affordability, as well as to freedom of expression and access to information. The effects of the taxes that took effect on July 1, 2018, were the focus of discussions at a recent stakeholder dialogue  organised by the Collaboration on…

Google’s Free Public Wi-Fi Initiative Expanded to Africa

Google Africa News Update |

Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, will be the first on the continent to receive Google’s free public Wi-Fi service, the company has announced.

The Google Station iniitiative is already live in five countries globally and will connect millions of users via 200 Wi-Fi hotspots spread across five cities in Nigeria within one year, the company…

African Bloggers want Tanzania to Repeal the Online Content Regulations

Tanzania News |

Dar es Salam. African Bloggers have asked Tanzanian Government to revoke the provision of Electronic and Postal Communication Act ( EPOCA) Online Content Regulations, 2018.

They also called upon the regional integrations including the African Union (AU), the East African Community EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Economic Community of West African (ECOWAS) to strongly urge…