WCIT – internet regulation needs input

As discussed recently, a United Nations mandated technology unit (ITU) is in the midst of revising a 24 year old telecommunications treaty during a 12 day conference in Dubai. The delegates who will make these critical decisions, and inform policy going forward, are government regulators from around the world. Although spin doctors will do their … Continue reading WCIT – internet regulation needs input

Political interference in the Media

Yet again, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is facing accusations of political interference. Controversy and political interference is nothing new for the South African state owned broadcaster. In 1997, it emerged during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that the SABC actively promoted the apartheid regime. Since the birth of South Africa’s democracy, the SABC … Continue reading Political interference in the Media

iStuff how-tos (Part two)

This is part two of a how-to with screen shots and brief explanation for changing iTunes store regions, the iStore Match Service and upgrading the recent system software on a iPhone or iPad. Part one is here.Use iStore MatchGreat product. All my content is synched up and available across all of my devices (Mac, iPhone and … Continue reading iStuff how-tos (Part two)

iStore officially launches in South Africa: iStuff how-tos…(part one)

After years in the wilderness, South Africans can finally (without contravening Apple's terms of service) purchase content from Apple’s iStore. The South African version of the digital store officially opened on Tuesday 4 December 2012, along with a further 55 new countries, including the likes of Russia and Turkey. The digital iStore first opened in … Continue reading iStore officially launches in South Africa: iStuff how-tos…(part one)

Secrecy Bill Update

The so called South African Secrecy Bill (Protection of State Information Bill) [pdf file] was accpeted by the South African Parliament’s National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 29 November 2012, by a margain of 34 to 16, bringing the legislation two steps away from being formally signed into law. The legislation, since it was initially … Continue reading Secrecy Bill Update

Free and open internet? (WCIT 2012)

Today is the start of the world conference on international telecommunications (WCIT -12), hosted by the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (the ITU), to re-negotiate a 24 year old telecoms treaty. A leaked copy of the draft compilation of proposals is available to view here.Free and open internet?The conference (attended by … Continue reading Free and open internet? (WCIT 2012)

Twitter defamation (libel)

The law of defamation (libel law) is being required to keep pace with the rapid strides in technology; Facebook and Twitter legal actions are realities in our aggressive ambition towards immediacy in communication. If you are wondering what the difference between libel, slander and defamation is, look here.In the United Kingdom, false allegations of child abuse by … Continue reading Twitter defamation (libel)

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 3

This is the final part of a three part series discussing SEO’s integration with social media to form a holistic digital strategy. The evolution of the internet and the manner in which users engage with one another, and the brands they associate themselves with, gives us the classic case of shifting goal posts. While it … Continue reading Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 3