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Governments in Africa Urged to Establish Favorable Digital Laws & Policies
Governments across Africa have been urged to expand digital rights and inclusion on the continent by formulating favorable laws and policies.
Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading Pan-African Digital Rights and Inclusion organization, pointed out that citizens on the continent are currently using Information Communications Technology (ICTs) on a regular basis, creating a need for rights respecting and inclusive practices.
Representatives from the social enterprise as well as the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) made the appeal at the sidelines of the just concluded PIN festival in Harare, Zimbabwe. The festival celebrated the collective behind-the-scenes efforts toward advancing digital rights and inclusion in Africa over the years.
Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director at PIN said as much as many governments in Africa have made considerable progress towards improving privacy online, data protection and providing affordable internet to increase access, much more needs to be done to bridge the existing digital divide.
“Paradigm Initiative has been in existence for 15 years now and over the years, we have seen gradual progress towards digital transformation, a clear indication of opportunities that exist towards safeguarding digital rights for all,” Mr. Sesan added.
On her part, Ms. Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director of Association for Progressive Communications (APC) emphasized the need for developing policies geared towards empowering individuals and strengthening their livelihood capacities through ICTs.
“Having worked together with Paradigm Initiative over the years, I can attest to the benefits that accrue when individuals and organizations are empowered. Access to ICTs leaves individuals, communities and institutions in a better position to act, and try to solve their own problems,” she added.
Since its inception in 2007, Paradigm Initiative has impacted the lives of more than 5,000 under-served African youth with improved livelihoods through digital opportunities and the protection of their online rights. For more than eight years, the organization has played an instrumental role in advancing Internet Freedom, proposing policy solutions and monitoring legal and policy frameworks around Information Communication Technology (ICTs) on the continent to ensure citizen rights. This contribution has been strengthened by the organization’s competencies in ICT capacity building, research and reports.
The social enterprise has also trained non-profit organizations and educational institutions on usage of ICTs for digital security, online and social media advocacy through its annual digital rights reports which have been converted into short films to speak more to the younger audience.
Ms. Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, PIN’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) said the organization has played an important role in spearheading development of public policy for internet freedom in Africa and will continue to do so through its presence in Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Kenya.
In her address at the same event, Ms. Thobekile Matimbe, PIN’s Partnerships and Engagements Manager echoed the need for the establishment of sound policies, noting that the Zimbabwe government had enacted data protection laws which is a step in the right direction. She urged the Zimbabwe government to ensure internet access during the upcoming general election.
Starlink has added major price hikes for its Nigerian customers, with roaming now 234 percent more expensive, despite the cost of living crisis gripping the country.
Nearly two years after launching in Nigeria, Starlink, said that it is hiking the price so significantly because of rampant inflation gripping the nation.
“Due to excessive levels of inflation, the Starlink monthly service price will increase,” reads an announcement seen by TechCabal.
Customers will begin paying the new rates for the standard residential and Starlink roaming plans from 31st October.
The standard residential subscription will receive a 100 percent price increase, from $24 to $48 with the 1TB soft-cap still included.
Meanwhile, customers that use Starlink to roam – allowing them to use the kit outside their homes and workplaces in Nigeria – will see a nearly 234 percent price increase, from $30 to $100 per month.
This is over R1 700 in South Africa.
The $100 per month cost for the roaming price in Nigeria now mirrors the pricing of Starlink roaming in Botswana, a close neighbour of South Africa.
Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0), one of the continent’s leading technology-focused events, is scheduled to hold Thursday, November 07, 2024 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos-Nigeria.
The forum will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the theme “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy.”
AfriTECH 4.0 is poised to address critical conversations around the digital evolution of Africa, with a focus on key topics such as emerging technologies, sustainability, policy frameworks, and innovation in the tech ecosystem.
The forum will highlight the importance of building sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructures that can drive economic growth and social development across the continent.
Event Highlights Include:
· Keynote Presentations from prominent technology leaders and policymakers.
· Panel discussions: telecommunications/data centre business, artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.
· Workshops and Masterclasses led by industry experts on strategies for digital transformation.
· Networking Opportunities for attendees to connect with key stakeholders in Africa’s tech landscape.
· Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative startups from across Africa.
· Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards in recognition of individuals, businesses and institutions leading digital transformation in Africa.
Notable Speakers at AfriTECH past events include Mr. Austin Okere, founder, CWG PLC, Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centre (OADC); Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Kashifu Inuwa, DG, NITDA; Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty (Nigeria); Chuks Anakudo, Managing Director/CEO – Global Accelerex; Prof. Wale Peter Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited; Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, founder, NeuRaL AI; Chris Uwaje (Oracle) pioneer president, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria; Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, the Regional Executive for West Africa and Morocco at Africa Data Centres; Emmanuel Amos, President, InnovationBed Africa; among others.
Prominent speakers have also lined up for AfriTECH 4.0 who will share insights on driving Africa’s digital economy, fostering innovation, and ensuring digital inclusion for all.
“With Africa’s growing digital economy and the increasing importance of technology in various sectors, AfriTECH 4.0 will provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on strategies to harness the power of technology to solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges”, said, Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener, AfriTECH.
Event Registration is now open via the link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xQJc8d141wUZ5Swuj2lhiPFLLKUV0xCjE3f_P2bjKfY/edit and interested participants can sign up to attend the forum both virtually and in person.
WhatsApp has been on a roll lately, introducing new features such as the creation of AI images from attachments, the ability to like status updates, and more features in September. Now, as we step into October, WhatsApp has officially added Filters and Backgrounds for video calls to its app.
This comes as an attempt to make video calls more engaging and fun, as in the official release blog, WhatsApp writes, “…we’re rolling out filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging. With these new effects, you can now change your background or add a filter during a video call for a more personal touch.”
The blog post talks about how filters can create “playful atmospheres.” Meanwhile, when it comes to backgrounds, they emphasize how they help keep surroundings private. I mean, letting those on a video call see your messy room can be embarrassing, so this is a nice feature for sure.
There are ten distinct filters and backgrounds to choose from. WhatsApp says “you can select and mix a wide range of options to create a unique look.” Additionally, WhatsApp also reveals the filter options, namely Warm, Cool, Black & White, Light leak, Dreamy, Prism light, Fisheye, Vintage TV, Frosted glass, and Duo tone.
When it comes to video backgrounds in WhatsApp, users can choose from Blur, Living room, Office, Cafe, Pebbles, Foodie, Smoosh, Beach, Sunset, Celebration, and Forest options. Moreover, alongside filters and backgrounds, WhatsApp has introduced Touch up and Low light modes, which can help enhance and brighten up your environment for more clarity and aesthetics in video calls.
To use the feature, when on a video call, WhatsApp users will need to tap on the magic wand icon at the top right to summon the filters and backgrounds panel. Then, from here, they can make their selection.
Well, that said, these features are not new to WhatsApp Beta users. Back in June itself, WABetaInfo noted the addition of this feature to WhatsApp beta for Android. Anyway, it’s good to see the feature make its public debut. Over the next couple of weeks, the feature will gradually roll out to everyone on both Android and iOS.
Also, another WABetaInfo report suggested that these filters and backgrounds will be making their way to the native WhatsApp Camera, letting users take advantage of them on the fly.
What do you think of WhatsApp’s new filters and backgrounds for video calls? Drop your thoughts in the comments down below!
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