MISA Condemns proposed Internet Calls Tax in Zambia.

MISA Condemns Internet Calls Tax

Chris Phiri | August 14, 2018

 
 
 
 
 

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has aired its concerns on the proposed tariff in internet voice calls.

MISA Zambia has labelled the move as double taxation on clients and also questioned the rapidity with which the tax has been implemented.

The Zambian citizenry has risen up in arms to protest the proposed tariff by government.

FULL STATEMENT:

Joint Press Statement

August 14, 2018

For Immediate Release

MISA Zambia and Bloggers of Zambia express concern over internet calls tariff

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia and Bloggers of Zambia have noted with trepidation the cabinet decision to pass legislation that will increase the cost of internet use by introducing a 30 Ngwee tariff on Internet voice calls in Zambia.

We are also worried with the fast speed at which the government is moving to enact the Cybercrime and Cyber Security Bill aimed at regulating Internet usage, especially social media in Zambia.

We are concerned about the proposed tariff of 30 Ngwee per day because it is a major threat to freedom of expression, access to information, media rights, freedom of assembly online an affront to the enjoyment of digital rights.

The cabinet approval of the issuance of a Statutory Instrument that will facilitate the introduction of the tariff to be charged through mobile phone operators and internet providers is an affront to net neutrality, and affordable connectivity.

This is a form of double and punitive taxation and taxing individual users in lieu of the social media companies that actually make money. We are concerned about this proposal because it falls within a pattern of government clampdown on online expression as we have noted of late.

We want to state that the proposed 30 Ngwee tariff on Internet calls will limit access to basic rights and it will harm businesses.

The proposed tariff on Internet calls is a threat to entrepreneurship and innovation as many youths and other citizens are using the Internet platforms to advance their socio-economic activities. Citizens across the country mobilise themselves using Internet calls. Why should we make this expensive in the midst of already over-taxed residents, coupled with high poverty levels?

We are of the view that the underlying objective in the passing of this legislation is to stifle free expression rights of millions of Zambians who increasingly depend on online tools to communicate. We believe that this is a systematic attempt of censoring online platforms.

Recently, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) fined Zambia’s three mobile phone service providers for offering poor services. This is evidence that citizens have been receiving expensive and low quality services, hence taking advantage of cheaper Internet calls.

We challenge telecommunication companies to comment on the proposed tariff and state whether they are not making profits from the current business environment.

Additionally, we ask whether there been any complaint from service providers citing major loss of business because citizens are making Internet calls. Citizens pay for both data and airtime. We also request for statistics and the evidence to warrant the tariff.

With regard to the Cybercrime and Cyber Security Bill, our view remains that the process of enacting these laws must be made open and transparent for input from citizens, bloggers, journalists and activists.

The process of drafting internet laws has been closed and non-participatory, prompting suspicions that the laws contain clauses that will close internet spaces. We have noted that similar Internet laws in Egypt, Tanzania and Kenya have caused so much consternation as some of the clauses in the laws are purposely vague and they do not promote free speech and freedom of assembly online.

We demand that the process of enacting the Access to Information law and operationalisation of the Media and Communications Policy be expedited together with the cyber laws.

We call on government to withdraw the tariff and rather consider investing in the sector to ensure that all Zambians have access to affordable, reliable and open Internet.

We also call upon bloggers, journalists and activists to join our clarion call for a free, open and safe internet ecosystem for all, including women and girls. Our campaign both on Facebook and Twitter is using the hashtag #OpenSpaceZM.

Helen Mwale

MISA Zambia

Chairperson

Richard Mulonga

Founder

Blogger of Zambia

THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON AFRICAN CULTURAL VALUES.

Photo: The conversation.com

Technology is a “cultural information about how to use the material resources of the environment to satisfy human needs and desires” (Nolan and Lenski, 2006:37). Africa is witnessing the effects of western technology with its occupying blessings and curses. The reality is that Africa lags behind in accelerating appropriate indigenous scientific knowledge to solve their problems (needs). 

Therefore, they depend on western technology. These dependency syndromes have an enormous challenge on African cultural values. Some of these western technologies (devices) are not congenial to African context and have rather helped to erode (reduce) African cultural values to zero mark. Ahule (2010:6) captures this picture more vividly thus: Africa and indeed Nigerian value system have metamorphosed from its collective orientation to take on a western form. Rather than taking on African form, values congruent with western society have come to dominate the African way of life, and rather than solidly the African, it degenerate him. 

 In the traditional African society today, children are losing the ability to play properly because of the influx of western technological devices like toys and computer games. In many higher institutions across Africa, indecent dressing has become the emblem of modernity. African society is now grappling with many behavioral problems of dishonesty, drug abuse, assault, insult, gansterism, violent demonstrations, vandalism, examination malpractices, robbery and secret cult activities (Nnachi, 2003).

Abanyam, Noah Lumun.

 Department of Sociology University of Mkar, Mkar, Benue State-Nigeria 

CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY.

 Team Tekhsmart: From left to right Mr Mweene M. Digital citizenship director,Mrs Matongo R. Vice Chief Executive Officer,Mrs Kasuba,the Executive Secretary,Mr Nawa K. Projects director and Mr Chisanga C. The Chief Executive Officer.

We are dedicated to educate young people to be responsible users of digital technologies.

CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY.

The following are scholarly established challenges that digital technologies poses to the society.

• Cyber safety: Involves conduct or behavioural concerns. Examples include cyberbullying, smear campaigns, accessing inappropriate content, creating spoof websites or sexting, downloading and pornographic viewing, fueling conflicts online, spreading false rumours, living on likes and comments etc.

• Economic problems: spending money recklessly by individuals on purchasing unnecessary applications and use of internet data bundles to download things that do not add value to one’s life. Poor productivity and delivery of services by companies and other organizations due to workers indulging in time consuming and distractive online and offline activities using digital technology.

• Cybersecurity: Involves unauthorized access of other people’s computer systems and online accounts. Examples include hacking into someone’s social media service account, downloading and reposting someone photos/videos their without permission or consent.(invading someone’s privacy)

·         Distraction: This involves spending countless hours playing computer/online games, browsing on the internet, chatting and viewing items on social media instead of concentrating on studies and work and other important aspects of life. Texting while driving or operating a machine.

·         Sharing personal information and photos to strangers online.

TEACHING DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP TO YOUNG DIGITAL NATIVES IN ZAMBIA.

Each day our country Zambia is becoming increasingly digital and both young and old people are using more and more technology devices at home, place of work, schools etc. But, are they prepared to be good digital citizens? Just as teachers from both formal and informal schools teach learners the rules of society, it is imperative that young people in Zambia are taught the rules of the digital world, and how to be safe, productive and responsible with technology.

It is critical that as a country we address digital citizenship, because of the following reasons:

v  Young people are generally proficient at basic usage of technology, but they are not necessarily critical users and many of them do not have the skills to be safe and responsible online. Young people are being exposed to online risks if we assume that they are tech-savvy.

v  Young people are starting to use the Internet at an early age, and they’re using it regularly. If we wait and ignore to address digital citizenship among young people now, we will risk.

v  If we want students to be lifelong learners, they should see learning as something that can happen at any time, but by keeping technology out of the classroom, we send the message that school is separate from “real life.” Incorporating digital worlds and digital citizenship into the curriculum helps bridge the gap between school and home.

v  Communities need to prepare students to be successful in our digital world; teaching digital citizenship allows young people to develop the skills and competencies that they will need to be safe, responsible, and productive members of our current and future society.

Parents Who Are Addicted To Their Cell Phones Affect Their Children’s Development – According To Scientists

Technology is everywhere and is here to stay. We have it in our homes, offices, schools, and always easily accessible in the palm of our hand thanks to smartphone technology. While there are thousands of positive changes technology has made and continues to make in our daily lives, it’s no secret that it also comes with its cons.

Most often, the older generations like to point fingers at the Millenials and younger generations for being attached to their technology, the reality is that parents and older adults aren’t any better! As adults spend more and more time on their phones, tablets, and laptops, what impact is that having on the mental health and development? This new study shows that parental screen time is more impactful than you might think. 

Too Much Screen Time Causes Behavioral Problems in Toddlers and Kids

We know that too much time spent on social media and with technology can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health in adults, and that kids who spend hours glued to screens don’t fare any better. A new study from the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital shows that the amount of time parents spend staring at their own screens has a devastating impact on the mental health and development of their children.

What the researchers found is that the more time parents spend on their phones and other devices (even TV), the less meaningful interactions they have with their kids. When a child’s time spent with their parent is interrupted by technology, the child feels frustrated and unimportant. This then causes the child to feel the need to act out in order to gain the lost attention back, most often in a negative way.

What The Study Warns

The study looked at 170 two-parent homes in the United States with children who were just over three years old. The parents were asked about their personal use of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and others: How they use them, when they use them, how long, with the research focusing primarily on how the usage interrupts family time, such as checking texts during dinner or during playtime.

Parents in the study were also then asked to recall how often their child whined, were hyperactive, were irritable or grumpy, or in general acted out or behaved badly over the last two months. After adjusting for stress, anxiety, income, education, and other factors relating to the parents, the study found that even a small amount of interruptions to parent-child engagement due to technology are associated with kids behavioural problems. 

Though the researchers maintain that they cannot assume a direct correlation between children’s behaviour and their parents level of technology use, they do agree that there is certainly a relationship, particularly between a child and their mother. 

Other Health Effects of Too Much Screen Time

It’s clear that spending too much time in the virtual world as opposed to the real world is having detrimental effects on the health and well-being of adults, teenagers, and children. Some other negative impacts of spending copious amounts of time on our devices are:

– Vision and eye health

– Mental health and depression

– Cardiovascular health and increased risk of diabetes

– Neck, back, and other musculo-skeletal problems due to poor posture

– Brain development and learning problems

– Attention deficit problems

– Sleep problems

Despite all the positive attributes to technology, it is clear that allowing it to consume your life is bad for the mental, physical, and emotional health of your entire family. The question then remains as to how to still reap the benefits of technology without letting it get in the way of a happy, healthy home. (2, 3)

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Negative Effects of Technology

As mentioned already, technology isn’t all bad, but when it starts to take away from meaningful interactions with your children, something needs to change. There are many ways you can continue to enjoy technology without it taking over your family time

Limit screen time for everyone.

Many parents put cap on amount of time spent on the computer or in front of the TV for their kids, but what about themselves? Creating rules for everyone in the household, including yourselves, and sticking to them, makes sure that each day you are have uninterrupted quality time with your kids

No phones at the dinner table.

Dinner time is often one of the few times busy families have each day to spend together to chat, educate, and share stories about their day. Having phones, TV, or other forms of tech at the table leads to distraction and discourages important conversation.

Pick other activities instead of movies.

While family movie night is fun and can be a lovely way to spend a quiet evening in, the reality is that watching movies doesn’t promote conversation or interaction. Instead, why not replace family movie night with a games night? This not only provides more opportunities for parents and children to talk, but also helps build family traditions and memories that will last far longer than a film.

Get outside… and leave the phones at home!

Take time each weekend to get out and do something as a family, whether it be a hike, playing ball at the park, or going bowling or indoor mini-golf if the weather doesn’t cooperate and leave all forms of technology at home, or at least in the car. Without the option of checking texts, emails, or Instagram feeds, everyone is free to be fully present in the moment and enjoy each others company.

Put the phone on airplane without going anywhere.

If you find it extremely difficult to ignore your phone anytime you hear a “ping!”, set it to airplane or silent mode at least until the kids are off doing their homework or gone to bed.

Source: www.healthy-holistic-living.com

TEACHING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE RESPONSIBLE USERS OF TECHNOLOGY. TEKHSMART ZAMBIA.

Digital citizenship director Tekhsmart Zambia,Mweene Muyanga presenting during a digital citizens trainig camp at Chalimbana Primary School.

Dr Mike Ribble,the father of digital citizenship, identified nine elements within the broader concept of digital citizenship and these are:

Digital access, digital commerce, digital communication, digital literacy, digital etiquette, digital law, digital rights and responsibilities, digital health and wellness, and digital security.

The nine elements of digital citizenship are further categorized into three groups according to the role they play.

Respect and protect ourselves.

·         Digital Security

·         Digital Rights and Responsibilities

·         Digital Health and Wellness

     Respect and protect others

·         Digital Etiquette

·         Digital Communication

·         Digital Access

     Protect intellectual property and the property of others.  

·         Digital Law

·         Digital Literacy

·         Digital Commerce

Within the nine elements there is a fair amount of overlap of issues and ideas. For example, the topic of cell phones can easily fit into discussions of digital communication, digital etiquette, and digital health and wellness. All of the elements need to be kept in mind when thinking about appropriate technology use. When reading through the nine elements, you and your children should discuss how each element affects you and how you can apply the concepts to your own use of technology. The process of learning how to think about technology and use it appropriately is very important.

N.B Most the information in this article was extracted from the book "Raising a Digital Child"

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INCITING POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA,A TIP FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS.

Inciting political violence is one the most common phenomenon on social media in Zambia. Most people think it is normal to post anything on social media or vent their anger against others as long as they feel it is alright. Children are growing up in the environment where these things are happening every day. 

The situation may tempt young people to think that that such behavior is normal and acceptable. Parents and teachers should inform children about the dangers embedded inciting any form of violence on social media platforms. They should elaborated on how such actions could be a danger to national security and peace. Children should know that civil wars and other types of conflicts may arise as a result of such actions.  Lets train our children when they are young to prepare them for the future.

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Be Tech smart,always think before you click.

When young people are using the internet, they are very exploring. Parents may not be aware of what kind of sites their children are visiting and what they are downloading. Some children take advantage of availability of pornographic materials online as long as they don’t get caught or no one discovers their secret. They even go to an extent of sharing with their peers through off and online media.

As parents and teachers, we should let our children know that it is against the law in Zambia to access, view, and produce or possess pornographic materials in any form. They should also know that through activity logs, it is easier for someone to track their online activities. This may happen because every time one connects to the internet, they live digital trails or digital crumbs that provides a clue on what kind of online behaviour one is involved in.

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