{"id":134,"date":"2023-01-12T08:37:50","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T06:37:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/?page_id=134"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:51:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:51:50","slug":"new-ideas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/?page_id=134","title":{"rendered":"Latest news"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/polokwane-IMG-20250610-WA0006-1024x473.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/polokwane-IMG-20250610-WA0006-1024x473.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/polokwane-IMG-20250610-WA0006-300x139.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/polokwane-IMG-20250610-WA0006-768x355.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/polokwane-IMG-20250610-WA0006-1536x709.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/polokwane-IMG-20250610-WA0006.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With Info Regulator Adv Pansy Tlakula and RIA director Alison Gillwald at a G20 meeting in Polokwane 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is there a legacy from South Africa\u2019s 2025 hosting of the G20?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like many South Africans, I was optimistic that what was dubbed the \u201cAfrican G20\u201d, could be impactful, not least for the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, the hosting succeeded. And despite push-back from the US and its allies at the last moment, the year ended with an official G20 Leaders\u2019 Declaration (and not the lesser instrument of a \u201cChair\u2019s Summary\u201d). A significant achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, even before Trump then trashed the whole endeavour, the Leaders\u2019 Declaration reflected very little of two digital work streams &#8211; despite the importance of digital to the G20. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I know this since I had a close-up view that came from writing knowledge resources for the Digital Economy Working Group and for the special Task Force on AI, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is to be expected that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All G20 research reports will be watered down in the discussion phase of the work streams and hence in the revised versions that are eventually published.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many points will inevitably fall by the wayside in the outcome statements of the two thrusts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, there\u2019s massive dilution in the crafting and compromises that shape the final Leaders\u2019 Declaration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevertheless, it was a chance to dig into key issues and engage on them with G20 reps, including invited African countries and the AU.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s better than the little-trace external contributions on digital issues, such as made by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.b20southafrica.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/B20_Digital_Transformation_Digital-Version.pdf\">B20<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/media20.org\/2025\/09\/02\/m20-johannesburg-declaration\/\">M20<\/a> \u00a0and the <a href=\"https:\/\/t20southafrica.org\/task-forces\/digital-transformation\/\">T20<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;d like to believe that value persists in the original knowledge outputs for the two tracks, which ultimately (only in February 2025) saw the light of day on the website of South Africa\u2019s Department of Digital and Communication Technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are links to the research that I worked on \u2013 thanks also to the support of UNESCO and Research ICT Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcdt.gov.za\/images\/AITF_Quick_guide_digital_transformation_and_AI.pdf\">A quick guide to digital transformation and AI<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcdt.gov.za\/images\/AITF_Toolkit_on_Data_Governance.pdf\">AI Task Force toolkit on data governance<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcdt.gov.za\/images\/documents\/DEWG-and-AI-Task-Force\/AITF_Issue_Brief_on_AI_and_Digital_Transformation_-_Capacity_Building_in_the_Public_Sector.pdf\">Capacity building for AI in the public sector<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcdt.gov.za\/images\/documents\/DEWG-and-AI-Task-Force\/AITF_Issue_Brief_on_AI_and_Digital_Transformation_-%20_Capacity_Building_in_the_Public_Sector.pdf\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcdt.gov.za\/images\/DEWG_Guidelines_for_access_to_data_for_researchers_SMMEs_and_startups.pdf\">Guidelines for access to data for researchers, SMMEs and startups<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dcdt.gov.za\/images\/DEWG_Issue_Brief_on_Generative_AI_and_its_evolving_ability_to_produce_high_quality_deep_fakes.pdf\">Issue brief on generative AI and its evolving ability to produce high quality deep fakes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">==<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"445\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-04-at-13.48.42_8743eaa9-445x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-04-at-13.48.42_8743eaa9-445x1024.jpg 445w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-04-at-13.48.42_8743eaa9-131x300.jpg 131w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-04-at-13.48.42_8743eaa9-668x1536.jpg 668w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-12-04-at-13.48.42_8743eaa9.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>On elections, rock-art, and AI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How do you say something different to what an AI service would offer? One way is to use AI (Gemini in this particular case) to generate images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Specifically, I wanted rock art style African animals to convey a message to the SADC\u2019s forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), for a keynote at their 27<sup>th<\/sup> AGM in eSwatini in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amongst the images I conjured up was a vulture &#8211; to signal that AI companies soar high but use lots of dollars and data to get there \u2013 meaning that they\u2019re looking to recoup resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many EMBs regard AI as a tool they can use, without realising that AI is also a tool of unprecedently powerful corporates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then I also wanted a praying mantis \u2013 to show that the \u201cmagic\u201d is a trick; that a \u201cpreying mantis\u201d is at work. It\u2019s controlled by the broligarchy, and it&#8217;s not to be trusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two ostriches helped me show the risk of getting your eggs (data) stolen if you put your head in the sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sleeping lion contrasted with an alert mongoose to symbolise the need for EMBs to be on their toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The classic rhino represented what is most endangered in EMB&#8217;s engagements with AI: public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Procurement became pictured by a crocodile, enabling me to flag many hidden issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An eagle keeping an eye on ants, aka data, helped make that relevant points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the end, I asked the question: \u201cShould you (the EMB) go fast or slow?\u201d. You can guess what animals illustrated this \u2013 or you can <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SADC-electoral-forum-Guy-Berger-presentation-Eswatini-shortened-2-Dec-2025-for-delivery.pdf\">look at the presentation itself<\/a> to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My conclusion, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/guy-berger-b641b2_elections-adopt-ai-or-adapt-to-ai-what-share-7402307737134448641-79_v?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAAAHWvwBMzqENNprJJQLiV3Og7gUmSKkZtw\">echoed in my LinkedIn post<\/a> on my remarks, was: \u201cadopt slowly; adapt swiftly\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">==<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"585\" height=\"799\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-400\" style=\"width:461px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image.png 585w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-220x300.png 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Linking up African elections, data, big tech and journalism<\/strong> (12 Sept 2025)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was the topic when I delivered the 5th Annual Africa Lecture on Media and Society, courtesy of the Africa Centre for Media Excellence in Kampala, last year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using the example of South Africa&#8217;s 2024 polls, it was possible to show how attempts to sabotage the SA elections exploited social media affordances. And that the platforms&#8217; roles left a lot to be desired, in terms of online content inciting violence. Plus, the failure of platforms to give insight into their electoral playbooks &#8211; an issue that still remains contested at South Africa&#8217;s information regulator where the companies deny that they fall under South African jurisdiction in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act. Another ongoing issue is contestation over media independence &#8211; as to whether journalists (in different media companies) can hold power accountable in line with a civil-society balancing with the state and corporate institutions, or whether they serve as instruments of the incumbent blocs. All this in the continuing context of AI and Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A summary of the input and the debate is available <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2024-annual-Africa-lecture-report_FINAL.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2024-annual-Africa-lecture-report_FINAL.pdf\">here<\/a>, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Acme-Berger-updated2.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Acme-Berger-updated2.pdf\">pdf of the presentation<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Will AI work for Africa &#8211; or vice versa?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"717\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG-20250828-WA00231-1-717x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-380\" style=\"width:526px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG-20250828-WA00231-1-717x1024.jpg 717w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG-20250828-WA00231-1-210x300.jpg 210w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG-20250828-WA00231-1-768x1097.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG-20250828-WA00231-1.jpg 781w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 717px) 100vw, 717px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">This conundrum &#8211; as to Africa and AI &#8211; was the subject of a keynote speech given at the 15th annual conference of the East African Communication Association on 27 August.  Here&#8217;s<a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Addis-presentation-EACA.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Addis-presentation-EACA.pdf\"> the pdf of the powerpoint <\/a>that digs into the challenges in terrifying terms of the global AI tech stack and its huge resources, and what the opportunities might be for Africa.  In essence, unless we can unlock data, deal with information integrity and increase public service content (all policy issues!), the prospects are limited.  The presentation spoke about the need for policy to implement three AU continent-wide instruments relevant to AI, and 4 resolutions at the African Commission on Human and Peoples&#8217; Rights. That&#8217;s just the start &#8211; more will also be needed.   (Pic: me and head of the School of Journalism and Communication, University of Addis Ababa, Prof Getachew Dinku)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A gap that needs filling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May month 2025 saw the publication of a draft <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/achpr.au.int\/en\/documents\/2025-04-08\/draft-study-human-peoples-rights-artificial-intelligence-robotics\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/achpr.au.int\/en\/documents\/2025-04-08\/draft-study-human-peoples-rights-artificial-intelligence-robotics\">Study on human and peoples\u2019 rights and artificial intelligence, robotics, and other new and emerging technologies in Africa<\/a><\/strong>. The author: The African Commission on Human and Peoples&#8217; Rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The document fills a gap, but also has a gap. Tackling the first, on the side of what&#8217;s present is a unique and comprehensive examination of how AI, etc. implicate the following range of rights recognised in Africa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Individual rights (civil and political)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Individual rights (socio-economic and cultural)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Peoples&#8217; rights<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Group rights: women, children, elderly, people with disabilities, minorities.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> In <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Response-to-ACHPR-study-revised.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Response-to-ACHPR-study-revised.pdf\">my submission<\/a> to the Commission, I pointed out the gap: namely access to data as part of the Right to Information, as per <a href=\"https:\/\/achpr.au.int\/en\/adopted-resolutions\/620-data-access-tool-advancing-human-rights-and-sustainable-development\">ACHPR Resolution 620<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I described this as the application to data of an intrinsic right which in turn is an enabler of other rights. &#8220;Currently, the realities are that AI is not advancing this kind of transparency, but instead exhibiting opacity in regard to both official and private actors and their involvement in AI. On the other hand, AI is also being used to generate low-quality content (\u201cAI slop\u201d) in the information ecosystem, which further obscures the information and data to which people have a fundamental right.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The submission then outlined how access to data can help defend the other rights in the remit of the ACHPR. Here&#8217;s hoping the final version of the study does justice to access to data.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-resized wp-duotone-dark-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-233x300.png\" alt=\"Cover of report: data deficits and democratic processes\" class=\"wp-image-365\" style=\"width:445px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-233x300.png 233w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image.png 527w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 233px) 100vw, 233px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just published this co-authored report &#8220;<strong>Data deficits and democratic processes: The under-explored role of data in African elections<\/strong>&#8220;. Very interesting how data is used, not used, and governed\/not as African countries get deeper into the datafication of democratic processes. Here&#8217;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/researchictafrica.net\/research\/data-deficits-and-democratic-processes-the-under-explored-role-of-data-in-african-elections\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/researchictafrica.net\/research\/data-deficits-and-democratic-processes-the-under-explored-role-of-data-in-african-elections\/\">link <\/a>and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/guy-berger-b641b2_a-new-report-gives-insight-into-data-and-activity-7320350902878453761-gckQ\/?rcm=ACoAAAAHWvwBMzqENNprJJQLiV3Og7gUmSKkZtw\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/guy-berger-b641b2_a-new-report-gives-insight-into-data-and-activity-7320350902878453761-gckQ\/?rcm=ACoAAAAHWvwBMzqENNprJJQLiV3Og7gUmSKkZtw\">summary of key points<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"651\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG-20241211-WA0001-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG-20241211-WA0001-1.jpg 651w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG-20241211-WA0001-1-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The annual conference of election management bodies (EMBs) across southern Africa, held in the Seychelles in December 2024, was the venue for me to <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SADC-electoral-forum-Guy-Berger-presentation.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SADC-electoral-forum-Guy-Berger-presentation.pdf\">argue that current AI risks outweigh AI benefits<\/a> as regards electoral integrity. And to give out a <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/African-EMBs-and-data.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/African-EMBs-and-data.pdf\">summary of selected findings<\/a> of some forthcoming research I&#8217;ve been doing with Research ICT Africa. It&#8217;s tailored to EMBs as key stakeholders in data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG-20241115-WA0001-1-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-347\" style=\"width:557px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG-20241115-WA0001-1-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG-20241115-WA0001-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG-20241115-WA0001-1-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG-20241115-WA0001-1-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG-20241115-WA0001-1.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two weeks, two speeches in November 2024. One to the ceremony of the Vodacom Journalism Awards, <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Speech-to-editors-forum-Namibia-as-delivered-1.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Speech-to-editors-forum-Namibia-as-delivered-1.pdf\">the other<\/a> to the awards ceremony of the Editors Forum of Namibia. In each case, talking about technology and journalism &#8211; and the intersection with politics and press freedom. And getting a major morale boost from the quality of journalism being generated in both South Africa and Namibia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"568\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Screenshot_20241115_173244_com.android.chrome-1-568x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Screenshot_20241115_173244_com.android.chrome-1-568x1024.jpg 568w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Screenshot_20241115_173244_com.android.chrome-1-166x300.jpg 166w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Screenshot_20241115_173244_com.android.chrome-1-768x1385.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Screenshot_20241115_173244_com.android.chrome-1-852x1536.jpg 852w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Screenshot_20241115_173244_com.android.chrome-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Twitter under Musk is no longer a platform. It&#8217;s a crude tool of influence. Now even generative AI is accurate in calling out the culprit and the character of the abuse. But the Musk effect poses a new challenge to the campaign for Information Integrity.  And it calls for an update of the two reports I did for the G20 earlier this year, which were produced at a time when the shared G20 view was that disinformation is a threat to the digital economy.  Hopefully, the the G20 hosted by South Africa in 2025 won&#8217;t drop this ball, notwithstanding the political success of the Elon and Donald combo. Meanwhile, Musk could do well to read the evidence that I dug up for the G20 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.br\/mcom\/pt-br\/acesso-a-informacao\/governanca\/governanca-de-tic-1\/documentos-g20\/p3-g20-dewg-brasil-2024-mapping-the-information-integrity-debate.pdf\/@@download\/file\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gov.br\/mcom\/pt-br\/acesso-a-informacao\/governanca\/governanca-de-tic-1\/documentos-g20\/p3-g20-dewg-brasil-2024-mapping-the-information-integrity-debate.pdf\/@@download\/file\">Mapping the debate<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.br\/mcom\/pt-br\/acesso-a-informacao\/governanca\/governanca-de-tic-1\/documentos-g20\/p3-g20-dewg-brasil-2024-possible-approaches-to-information-integrity.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gov.br\/mcom\/pt-br\/acesso-a-informacao\/governanca\/governanca-de-tic-1\/documentos-g20\/p3-g20-dewg-brasil-2024-possible-approaches-to-information-integrity.pdf\">Possible approaches to Information Integrity<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"605\" height=\"605\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-328\" style=\"width:820px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image.png 605w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 605px) 100vw, 605px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If your English spelling ain\u2019t great, you may miss that Microsoft Designer inadvertently makes the point for \u201cinformation integrity\u201d in this graphic.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Digging into the buzz concept, \u201cinformation integrity\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s not just about protecting integrity against threats, it also has to be about advancing content that supports human rights and sustainable development. That\u2019s where \u201cinformation as public good\u201d comes in. And as elaborated in UNESCO\u2019s Windhoek+30 Declaration, that means support for journalism and media, and enhancing the public\u2019s right of access to information and data. This interpretation of \u201cinformation integrity\u201d puts onus on both governments and internet companies to contribute to both fronts: protection and promotion. Two page read elaborating these thoughts <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Information-integrity.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Information-integrity.pdf\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">==<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"568\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1.png 568w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-1-300x273.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s why researchers need access to Big Tech data, and how the lack thereof cramps the depth of their research. It&#8217;s an <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hate-speech-and-disinformation-in-south-africas-elections-big-tech-make-it-tough-to-monitor-social-media-230945\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/hate-speech-and-disinformation-in-south-africas-elections-big-tech-make-it-tough-to-monitor-social-media-230945\">article in The Conversation<\/a> in relation to the South African election. There are links in it to a statement signed by 11 research groups, with whom I&#8217;ve been talking on this issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">==<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_20240304_093727-1-512x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_20240304_093727-1-512x1024.jpg 512w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_20240304_093727-1-150x300.jpg 150w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_20240304_093727-1-768x1536.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_20240304_093727-1-1024x2048.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_20240304_093727-1-scaled.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Growing the news industry: my remarks to the Competition Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What to do to secure, and expand, the place of news in the digital ecosystem? I argued a case as part of the SA National Editors Forum oral submissions to the country\u2019s Competition Commission\u2019s \u201cMedia and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My intervention highlighted the competitive barriers facing both existing and prospective media, as a result of the current operation of power in three markets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>content production (the rise of generative AI),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>distribution (social media and search)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and monetization (ad tech systems). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[Data markets are key to dominance in all these. But for better or worse, news media is barely an observer, let alone a competitor, in this space]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My points in a nutshell:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>News media carry extensive liability and quality control costs, while tech platforms have built their dominance with their hands free.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is structural bias against news on platforms, due to engagement-driving algorithms and the operation of walled-garden environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>News producers currently subsidize platforms that continue to make money from news presence and discussion on their services, without return any value to help cover the expense of producing this content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Negative externalities mean that the same online system that works to the disadvantage of news content, works to the benefit of content that diverts from, contradicts and is even hostile to news: i.e. dis- and mis-information, hate speech and misogyny.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a growing interpenetration of ownership in generative AI services and in the content distribution services, yet in neither business is there adequate control of quality, a healthy promotion of news, or the remuneration of news producers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are various redress measures, but transparency is a cross-cutting necessity for all. &nbsp;It\u2019s vital to help level the playing field, to open opportunities for media development and diversity, to ensure tech accountability for commitments, and to enable data sharing in the interests of media viability and informed bargaining over revenue-sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full document: <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Supplementary-oral-remarks-to-Competition-Commission.pdf\">https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Supplementary-oral-remarks-to-Competition-Commission.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to implement African principles about elections and social media<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"492\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-322\" style=\"width:820px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image.png 492w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-205x300.png 205w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">(launch of the AAEA Guidelines)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) are at the centre of the universe when it comes to operationalising the mechanics of elections. But this wider universe keeps changing and challenging their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, what should they do when the workload escalates, while budgets typically remain constant?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is: <strong>partnerships<\/strong>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">EMBs already relate to lots of groups \u2013 eg. political parties, voters, observers. Now they need to to examine these \u2013 and all other relationships \u2013 in a new light. It\u2019s not about EMBs getting into marriages, but about finding smart ways to magnify their role, while safeguarding their exclusive mandate, autonomy and authority to make final decisions. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Existing relationships with governments and parliaments need to include the issue of new laws or regulations to deal with social media and elections. But in parallel, EMBs need to look into new partnerships, which do not have to wait, indeed can\u2019t wait for, new legal measures to be put in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a thematic in the new P<em>rinciples and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa,<\/em> launched in Johannesburg this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This tool comes via the African Association of Electoral Authorities, following consultation with 47 EMBs and 36 formal submissions. &nbsp;A technical working group, of which I was a member, pulled together the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The document encourages EMBs to establish partnerships using frameworks of co-operation, agreed working methods and protocols, and communications channels for urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One example is the case of Real411\u2013 an accord between the South Africa\u2019s EMB, some of the tech platforms, and the NGO Media Monitoring Africa. This crowd-sources cases of online disinformation that then get priority attention from the platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Partnerships \u2013 or at least engagements \u2013 are needed with regard to other groups mentioned in the Principles and Guidelines. These are groups with high stakes in social media and elections \u2013 and the document cites: <em>women\u2019s rights groups, disability rights, youth, and traditional leaders<\/em>.&nbsp; Then there are <em>academics and voter education NGOs, amongst many others in civil society<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Principles and Guidelines also mention the need for EMBs to liaise with other regulators: <em>data protection, broadcast licencing authorities, Information Commissioners<\/em>. Then there are self-regulatory bodies such as <em>advertising standards and media councils<\/em> who can play a key part in monitoring social media misuse and in promoting public interest and verified information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The list of all these actors \u2013 the range of flickering stars in the universe \u2013 can be overwhelming. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">So how can EMBs prioritise which relationships to invest in? &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A starting point is for EMBs to do a<strong> risk assessment about social media role in elections<\/strong>.&nbsp; An example (link below) is one that South African editors have done \u2013 from their point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the basis of such a risk assessment, EMBS can then draw up a visual map of the surfaces and all those who can act to address the risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A primary partnership should of course be with data-driven big tech platforms who disseminate content of concern to elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>But this relationship also needs corresponding relationships in order to have independent monitoring of what\u2019s happening on social media \u2013 like relationships with groups like media, NGOs and universities.<\/em> &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This monitoring needs to cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what potential harms are unfolding, which is key for foresight and pre-emptive action before things get too late.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether platforms are doing enough \u2013 eg. covering smaller languages, acting on problematic content swiftly.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what they are doing negatively \u2013 eg. with their algorithms recommending dangerous content, and what they are doing positively \u2013 eg. to remind users of their terms of service, and promoting verified content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, it remains clear that for each individual EMB to implement the AAEA Principles and Guidelines vis-\u00e0-vis the platforms, there is a very evidently also need to work for African Union level backing.&nbsp; Implementing the AAEA instrument calls for EMBs to build partnerships, and it calls out for the AAEA and the AU to action continental level support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Based on remarks to participants at the launch of the Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa, 27 February, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Principles and Guidelines: <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-Guidelines.pdf\">https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-Guidelines.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real411 \u2013 signed accord between South Africa\u2019s IEC, several tech companies, and the NGO: Media Monitoring Africa. <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Election-2024-framework-resized.pdf\">https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Election-2024-framework-resized.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SA National Editors Forum &#8211; risk assessment for the 2024 elections, with mitigations for platforms <a href=\"https:\/\/sanef.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ANNEXURE-B-Access-to-Information-and-Media-Policy-subcommittee-report-election-risks.pdf\">https:\/\/sanef.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ANNEXURE-B-Access-to-Information-and-Media-Policy-subcommittee-report-election-risks.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Association of African Electoral Authorities: <a href=\"https:\/\/aaeagroup.org\/\">https:\/\/aaeagroup.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">#elections #socialmedia #bigtech #monitoring #civilsociety<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"733\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-1024x733.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-1024x733.png 1024w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image-768x550.png 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/image.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tweedles dee and dum? A dangerous AI duo&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So bedazzled we have been during 2023 about the <em>new <\/em>generative AI, that we took focus off the <em>existing<\/em> AI used for curating\/sifting\/sorting\/prioritising in social media feeds in particular. Yet, not only does the &#8220;old&#8221; and taken-for-granted still have enormous social impact &#8211; and will do so especially during the 2024 upcoming elections. Worse: when you put these two AI systems together, the articulation amounts to a pretty sinister combo. That&#8217;s because (a) generative AI, as many people are now more and more recognizing, gives huge impetus to the volume of production of hate and lies &#8211; AND, (b) curational AI &#8211; which operates in distribution &#8211; then delivers this poison to people in a tailored and targeted way.  What to do? One answer is at least to try and track this &#8211; hence a recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techpolicy.press\/need-for-data-access-to-tackle-aipowered-disinformation-in-the-global-south\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.techpolicy.press\/need-for-data-access-to-tackle-aipowered-disinformation-in-the-global-south\/\">blog<\/a> on Tech Policy Press to which I added my views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_20231208_112221-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_20231208_112221-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_20231208_112221-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_20231208_112221-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_20231208_112221-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IMG_20231208_112221-2048x1024.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enjoyed being the keynote speaker at a conference on journalists&#8217; safety in the Western Balkans (some participants above). It was an opportunity to share international lessons that I learnt from my UNESCO work in the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, and associated training of judges, prosecutors and law-enforcement. And a chance to learn a lot about these issues in Bosnia and Herzogovina, Serbia and North Macedonia. Herewith the text of my <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Jahorina-remarks-final-edited.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Jahorina-remarks-final-edited.pdf\">remarks. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"715\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-715x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-288\" style=\"width:415px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-715x1024.jpg 715w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-209x300.jpg 209w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-768x1100.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-1072x1536.jpg 1072w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA-1430x2048.jpg 1430w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/AAEA.jpg 1631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 715px) 100vw, 715px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>An African response to new online electoral threats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was a privilege to be part of a technical working group drafting guidelines on social media for African election management bodies during 2023. The final version was adopted by the African Association of Electoral Authorities in early November.  It was a complex matter, covering issues of disinformation, media, algorithmic recommender systems, encryption, access to data, and human rights impact assessments. <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/African-elections-and-social-media.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/African-elections-and-social-media.pdf\">Here&#8217;s how I unpacked the process and look ahead. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jeanette-Minnie1-square2-400x400-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jeanette-Minnie1-square2-400x400-1.jpg 400w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jeanette-Minnie1-square2-400x400-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jeanette-Minnie1-square2-400x400-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tribute to Jeanette Minnie &#8211; an online course is updated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;m pleased to be a co-instructor in a current online programme on Media and Digital Policy in Africa. It&#8217;s an update of an earlier version run through the Wits University LINK centre; now it&#8217;s via the Journalism Department at Stellenbosch University. The content is inspired by Jeanette &#8211; an amazing media activist who helped democratise South African media policy and practice in the transition from apartheid, and who fought for press freedom in southern Africa through her work in Misa in the 1990s.  Four hundred people have enrolled, and 40% actively engaged in the first week.  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmt.africa\/News\/88\/New-free-courses-about-media-and-digital-freedom-in-Africa\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nmt.africa\/News\/88\/New-free-courses-about-media-and-digital-freedom-in-Africa\">Details at the website of the Namibia Media Trust<\/a>, the lead organisation driving the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes, we can have both privacy and data access<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"839\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_20230221_144707.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_20230221_144707.jpg 420w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_20230221_144707-150x300.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Africa owes a huge amount to a person who is an <em>advocate <\/em>in all senses of the word. Pansy Tlakula stewarded through African Union processes the 2013 standard-bearer &#8211; a Model Law on Access to Information, followed by the 2017 Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa. She&#8217;s been a driving force in the African Network of Information Commissions and the Network of African Data Protection Authorities.  Her motto seems to be: phantsi (down with) policy and regulatory silos, and <em>reconcile protection of privacy and access to data.<\/em> Here are her wise words to the<a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Keynote-Address.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Keynote-Address.pdf\"> African school of Internet governance<\/a> held in Abuja, September 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"612\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/afigf-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-268\" style=\"width:404px;height:318px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/afigf-3.png 612w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/afigf-3-300x236.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>One Internet &#8211; or many?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only a few sad folk want a fragmented internet &#8211; it&#8217;s a contradiction-in-terms and contrary to global public benefit. But in many ways, splintering is what we have. Most obviously with political-legal barriers imposed on content and applications. But less-often focused upon are the consequences of closed platforms and divided data holdings. <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/One-internet-or-many.pdf\">Here&#8217;s my take at the Africa IGF<\/a> in Abuja on September 19, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"880\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_20230828_113516_edit_281746760255965-scaled-e1693669697501-1024x880.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-254\" style=\"width:313px;height:269px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_20230828_113516_edit_281746760255965-scaled-e1693669697501-1024x880.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_20230828_113516_edit_281746760255965-scaled-e1693669697501-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_20230828_113516_edit_281746760255965-scaled-e1693669697501-768x660.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG_20230828_113516_edit_281746760255965-scaled-e1693669697501.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Guy-Berger-final-AJEN-address.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Guy-Berger-final-AJEN-address.pdf\">Connect, connect, connect<\/a> &#8211; my message to African Journalism teachers at their second meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, August 2023. The meeting saw them adopt a constitution and elect a leadership &#8211; really encouraging development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"114\" height=\"161\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-241\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s lots of flurry about generative AI based on large-language-models (LLMs). To make sense of it all, you could do well to check out the new UNESCO handbook for journalism educators, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/new-unesco-resources-journalism-education-launched-lyon-france?hub=67168\">launched in July<\/a>. Commissioned under my watch, it also includes a foreword I wrote. While many in media are assessing how AI affects journalistic work, this publication instead tackles how journalists can best report on AI developments for the public. The key takeaways for coverage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand the subject, especially to avoid industry hype,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t reify AI as if was tech that was separate from the interests of who owns it,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring in the human angle, including political economy and global inequalities in data\/compute\/expertise\/language,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember the environmental aspects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As things are shaping up, we\u2019re seeing the platformization of foundation models by giant players whose interests and boundaries will shape the customised applications built on top of them. This even, and especially, applies to Meta\u2019s open source version. Just as regulatory solutions are urgently needed for social media and other kinds of platforms, this is even more so the case for the AI industry. If it\u2019s up to the challenge, good journalism will raise this issue on policy agendas and canvass the range of options. The handbook is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/reporting-artificial-intelligence?hub=67168\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/reporting-artificial-intelligence?hub=67168\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"387\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image.png 387w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-300x253.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 387px) 100vw, 387px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">June 2023 saw the launch by UNESCO of the 16-page \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/unesdoc.unesco.org\/ark:\/48223\/pf0000385813\">Platform Problems and Regulatory Solutions<\/a>\u201d, which I did for <a href=\"https:\/\/researchictafrica.net\/\">Research ICT Africa<\/a>. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/internet-conference\/working-papers\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/internet-conference\/working-papers\">followed up RIA research<\/a> that I led for UNESCO\u2019s draft guidelines for platform regulation, with further elaboration on options for hybrid regulation. &nbsp;In a nutshell:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Factors underpinning content problems on digital platforms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u2018attention economics\u2019;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; automated advertising systems;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; external manipulators;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; company spending priorities;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; stakeholder knowledge deficits; and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; flaws in platforms\u2019 policies and in their implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Problems of \u2018solo-regulation\u2019 by individual platforms in curation &amp; moderation are paralleled by harms of unilateral state regulation. But hybrid regulatory arrangements can help by elaborating transparency&nbsp; and mandatory human rights impact assessments<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The theme of <strong>access to data<\/strong> was the topic of my remarks to the <a href=\"https:\/\/anicafrica.com\/about\/\">African Network of Information Commissioners<\/a> in June 2023. I urged them to see beyond their huge workload in implementing access to information, because the world isn\u2019t waiting for Africa when it comes to data sharing. They can play a huge part around the continent in stimulating the supply and demand for data \u2013 looking at state, private sectors, academics and civil society actors. We need to give attention to dat<strong>af(r)ica<\/strong>tion! I beat the same drum in a presentation at University of Pretoria&#8217;s Future Africa institute in April:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"605\" height=\"685\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-179\" style=\"width:477px;height:540px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-1.png 605w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-1-265x300.png 265w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 605px) 100vw, 605px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to data is also implicated with the transparency of internet platforms. Especially data sharing around two issues: safety of journalists on the one hand, and the viability of media economics on the other.&nbsp; So, I convened a workshop on behalf of UNESCO during 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, in New York. Here\u2019s a news story on it: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/data-makes-difference-world-press-freedom-day-roundtable\">Data makes a difference<\/a>., and pic below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GB-3-May-2023-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-187\" style=\"width:545px;height:408px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GB-3-May-2023-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GB-3-May-2023-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GB-3-May-2023-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GB-3-May-2023-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GB-3-May-2023-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The year 2023 marks 30 years since the UN General Assembly proclaimed the annual World Press Freedom Day, and we owe this in large part of the efforts of Alain Modoux who worked at UNESCO back in the day. He recounted his story in a book I co-edited titled \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/guyberger.ru.ac.za\/fulltext\/50years.pdf\">50 Years of Journalism: African media since Ghana\u2019s independence<\/a>\u201d. See pages 171-172 (pic below). &nbsp;In 2013, this remarkable man received a medal for his role from UNESCO\u2019s director general Irina Bokova \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/May-3-2023-San-Jose-DGs-speech-1.pdf\">whose delivery remarks he shared with me <\/a>this year and well sum up the achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"756\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20230628_175843_edit_183218560388709-1024x756.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20230628_175843_edit_183218560388709-1024x756.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20230628_175843_edit_183218560388709-300x222.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20230628_175843_edit_183218560388709-768x567.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20230628_175843_edit_183218560388709-1536x1134.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20230628_175843_edit_183218560388709-2048x1512.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May and June 2023 were marked in Lusaka (pic below) at the 2<sup>nd<\/sup> <a href=\"https:\/\/au.int\/en\/2ndAMC\">African Media Convention<\/a>, and in Windhoek at the <a href=\"https:\/\/fesmediaregionalconference2023.com\/\">Regional Conference on Information and Communication Rights in Africa<\/a>. &nbsp;I was fortunate to attend both, where I spoke about digital platform regulation, and also joined others to recount how Africa gave the world the International Day for Universal Access to Information. We had an interactive discussion about whether the continent faces news deserts \/ oases \/ savannas \u2013 or fields of weeds\u2026 and which actions and allies can advance which scenario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"418\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-180\" style=\"width:481px;height:357px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-2.png 418w, https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-2-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Guy-Berger-Comments-on-Guidelines-v2.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Guy-Berger-Comments-on-Guidelines-v2.pdf\">Personal comments on Version 2<\/a> of the UNESCO Guidelines for Regulating Platforms. These argue that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The UNESCO draft underlines the importance of official regulatory bodies being independent. But, taking account of realities, it is very hard to envisage changes here \u2013 meaning that this part of the Guidelines will lag, and even undercut the other parts &#8211; compromising regulation accordingly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The UNESCO draft should drop the current distinction between content that is illegal and content that is legal but which the companies should assess as harmful. This usurps the rule of law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Guidelines\u2019 approach says it favours \u201cco-regulation\u201d between state and \u201cself-governing bodies\u201d. This formulation can be misinterpreted, and instead, the draft should motivate for institutionalised multi-stakeholder in rule-making, monitoring, oversight and review.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In February 2023, Research ICT Africa published a 3 part Working Paper I worked on which had been commissioned by UNESCO for the conference titled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/internet-conference?hub=71542\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/internet-conference?hub=71542\">&#8220;Internet for Trust&#8221;<\/a>.  In one place, there is a synthesis of a mass of recent research, and unpacking of what it means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Part-1-.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Part-1-.pdf\">Part 1:<\/a> Summarises the problems of hate speech and disinformation on platforms, and what underlies them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/part-2.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/part-2.pdf\">Part 2<\/a>: Provides a detailed assessment of the flaws in platforms&#8217; policies &#8211; and in their implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/part-3.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/part-3.pdf\">Part 3<\/a>: Digs into the challenges of regulation to address the problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Keynote-for-Kenya-conference-8-Feb-2003.pdf\">Keynote speech about a &#8220;community of practice&#8221; in African journalism education in the age of AI<\/a> &#8211;  at Maseno University, Kenya, Feb 8, 2023. Key points: 2023 heralds new opportunities for African journalism education, through a partnership of UNESCO &amp; Google News Initiative, and through vibrant networking efforts by j-teachers and j-researchers. The outcome could be creating a \u201ccommunity of practice\u201d in African journalism education involving both teachers and students. Together they can try things out \u2013 like testing for gaps, like ChatGPT\u2019s silence on key journalists across African history whose data iare not in the AI learning set. &nbsp;The challenge is a community that learns to create the content that AI cannot; and can add new contributions to the online stock of recorded data which feeds machine learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Guy-Berger-contribution-to-forthcoming-SR-report.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Guy-Berger-contribution-to-forthcoming-SR-report.pdf\">Submission to UN Special Rapporteur <\/a>on Freedom of Expression and Opinion &#8220;<em>Freedom of Opinion and Expression and Sustainable Development &#8211; Why Voice Matters<\/em>&#8221; (2023)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Guy-Berger-Comments-on-UNESCO-draft-1-point-1.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Guy-Berger-Comments-on-UNESCO-draft-1-point-1.pdf\">Comments on<\/a> \u201cGuidance for regulating digital platforms: a multistakeholder approach Draft 1.1\u201d \u2013 a response to UNESCO call for contributions to their draft Guidance document for debate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/internet-conference?hub=71542\">at their global conference<\/a>, Paris 21-23 February 2023. (2023)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Tracing-the-footprints-of-the-Windhoek-Declaration-ebook-Berger-overiew.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Tracing-the-footprints-of-the-Windhoek-Declaration-ebook-Berger-overiew.pdf\">Overview<\/a> to <em>Tracing the Footprints of the Windhoek Declaration and Charting the Windhoek +30 Declaration<\/em>. (2022)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Foreword-to-Disinformation-and-the-Global-South.pdf\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Foreword-to-Disinformation-and-the-Global-South.pdf\">Foreword<\/a> to book: Disinformation and the Global South (2022)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is there a legacy from South Africa\u2019s 2025 hosting of the G20? Like many South Africans, I was optimistic that what was dubbed the \u201cAfrican G20\u201d, could be impactful, not least for the continent. Yes, the hosting succeeded. And despite push-back from the US and its allies at the last moment, the year ended with &#8230; <a title=\"Latest news\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/?page_id=134\" aria-label=\"Read more about Latest news\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-134","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=134"}],"version-history":[{"count":65,"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":420,"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/134\/revisions\/420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/commspolicy.africa\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}