Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)

Articles by Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)

Getting more African languages online

African indigenous language advocates, linguists and volunteers are pushing ahead with making digital platforms and online content more accessible in local languages.

Africa lagging behind in terms of digital inclusion

Practices favouring the corporate sector along with weak ICT policies by governments deny millions of sub Saharan Africans from benefiting from digital advancements.

COVID-19 related laws could be used as weapon against state critics

COVID-19 misinformation laws and regulations which were introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa as measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, are generally viewed by scholars and activists as serving to curtail freedom of expression.

How African governments are undermining the use of encryption

The right to privacy is further threatened by African governments passing laws heavily restricting the use of encryption.

CIPESA comments on Tanzania’s contentious content law

In its submissions on amendments to Tanzania’s Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, CIPESA expresses concerns over remaining restrictive clauses.

Cybercrime threatens open and free internet

The Multistakeholder Manifesto on Cybercrime supported by 50 CSOs calls on states to ensure the Convention agrees to fight cybercrime in a way that upholds rights and freedoms.

State surveillance stifling democratic participation in Africa

The increased use of surveillance on targeted citizens is undermining African citizens’ digital rights and hindering their willingness to meaningfully participate in democratic processes.

Leveraging the digital space to combat human trafficking

Through its study of the role of the internet in human trafficking, the African Legal Think Tank on Women’s Rights realised it’s possible to use the same technology to curb the illegal practice.