On February 5 2025 DigitalReach hosted a panel ‘The Future of Content Moderation in Southeast Asia‘. Experts discussed the human rights implications of recent changes in the content policies of major social media platforms, in particular, Facebook, for users and governments in the region.
SPEAKERS Associate Professor Dr. Aim Sinpeng – Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney Ellen Tordesillas – Co-Founder and President, VERA Files Septiaji Eko Nugroho – Chairperson, MAFINDO
MODERATOR Ploy Chanprasert – Founder, DigitalReach
The collection and disclosure of DNS registration data have evolved chaotically, influenced by GDPR and other privacy laws. The system, while improving privacy, has enabled bad actors and raised costs for registrars and registries. At this event, experts will explore Project Jake’s framework for balancing privacy with legitimate data needs, emphasizing policy clarity, efficiency, and adaptability.
Project Jake is a project that addresses issues related to the accuracy and use of contact information in the Whois database. The project’s name honors Elizabeth “Jake” Feinler, who was central to the development of the Whois database.
SPEAKERS Brian Beckham – Internet Dispute Resolution Section, WIPO Christine Runnegar Dave Piscitello – Interisle Consulting Group LLC Elliot Noss – Tucows Inc., Gabriel Andrews – FBI Ignas Anfalovas – IPXO Dr. James Galvin – Identity Digital John McElwaine – IP Attorney Jothan Frakes – PLISK.COM Nigel Hickson – DSIT, UK Rod Rasmussen – Cybersecurity expert Frederico Neves – nic.br Steve Crocker – Edgemoor Research Institute (ERI)
MODERATOR Lori S. Schulman – International Trademark Association (INTA)
On Thursday & Friday January 30-31, 2025 the 9th Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF) will be held as a hybrid event. TTIGF 2025 has the theme ‘Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future‘. The theme was inspired by the UNIGF 2024 theme as an important area that needs to reach the local discussion forum for a way forward in Trinidad and Tobago’s Internet Governance. It will include a Youth Forum on Day 2.
09:05 Welcome and Introduction Jacqueline Morris – Chair, Trinidad and Tobago Multistakeholder Advisory Group (TTMAG) Sally Wentworth – President & Chief Executive Officer, Internet Society & Internet Society Foundation Cory Belfon – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Digital Transformation John Outridge – Chief Executive Officer, Trinidad and Tobago International Finance Centre (TTIFC) Javed Sajad – Artificial Intelligence Legal and Policy Consultant, LACNIC
09:30 Panel Session: AI in Education: Navigating the Future Dr. Andrew Hunte – Chairman, National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) Dr. Lev Gonick – Chief Information Officer, Arizona State University
Moderator: Jacqueline Morris – Director, TTMAG
11:10 Presentation: Cybersecurity in Trinidad & Tobago Ajmal Nazir – Director, TTMAG
12:40 Open Forum
JAN 31 2025 – TTIGF 2025:DAY 2
YOUTH FORUM
09:00 Opening Remarks
Dev Gosine – Vice-Chair, TTMAG
09:10 Youth Session: Bullying in the Cyber Age
Presentation
Youth-led Discussions
13:10 Panel Session: Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion John Outridge – Chief Executive Officer, TTIFC Ian T. Alleyne – Founder, Paywise Shiva Bissessar – Managing Director, Pinaka Consulting Ltd.
Moderator: Ajmal Nazir – Director, TTMAG
14:45 Presentation: Using AI for Disaster Resilience in T&T Dr. Letetia Addison – Adjunct Lecturer, School of Science Computing and Artificial Intelligence, UWI
Moderator: Julie David – Director, TTMAG
15:25 Partner Showcase
15:30 CTU Session: Accelerating the involvement of Caribbean ccTLDs within the global ccTLD community
Panel Session 1: Diversity in The Caribbean and Latin America Region Dr. Pablo Rodriguez – Executive Vice President Gauss Research Laboratory Inc.; and GRC Member Sean Copeland – GRC Chair Alejandra Reynoso – ccNSO Chair Albert Daniels – ICANN
Moderator: Rodney Taylor – CTU
Panel Session 2: Building a Stronger Regional Community George Foster – Barbados Damien Harrigan – Anguilla Leendert Pengel – Curacao Don Slaunwhite – St. Maarten Elena Grimany – Cuba Max Larson Henry – Haiti
Moderator: Patrick Hosein – TTMAG
Panel Session 3: Future Collaboration and Next Steps
Moderator: Tracy Hackshaw – TTMAG
Closing and Wrap Up:
Identity Digital Rodney Taylor – CTU
16:30 Closing Address Dev Gosine – Vice-Chair, TTMAG
On Tuesday January 28 2025, at 12:00 WAT (11:00 UTC) the Internet Society Nigeria Chapterpresents a webinar in observance of Data Privacy Day, with the theme “Take Control of Your Data.” The discussions covered the necessity of understanding and exercising data privacy rights, the challenges in enforcing data protection laws, measures to safeguard biometric data, and securing personal information amidst the rise of fintech platforms. Additionally, strategies for raising awareness, especially in rural areas, were discussed. Closing remarks urged everyone to prioritize data privacy in their personal and professional lives.
INTRODUCTION Saheed Adodukan – ISOC Nigeria
PANEL Rowena Bernard Loveday Onyeanula Oche Paul
MODERATORS Igba Priscilla – Treasurer, ISOC Nigeria
On Friday 24 January 2025 the Internet Society Ethiopia Chapter hosts Ethiopia Peering Day in Addis Ababa. The event will bring together peering and interconnection decision makers from Content Distribution Networks (CDNs), infrastructure providers, Internet service providers (ISPs), Internet exchange points (IXPs), mobile network operators (MNOs), large enterprise networks, policymakers, Internet enthusiasts, and regulators. The speakers will address issues pertaining to peering and interconnection best practices, current and latest trends, global challenges, and opportunities.
Friday, 24 January 2025 (All times EAT = UTC+3:00)
09:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks (yt | otter) Welcome Remarks: Dawit Bekele – Regional Vice President for Africa, Internet Society Peering & IXPs, Where the Internet Lives: Robel K. – Technical Expert Building a Strong Peering Ecosystem in Ethiopia: Dr. Asrat M. – Ethiopia Internet Society Chapter Ethiopia Internet Exchange Point: Teshome – ADDIX Role of Carrier Neutral DC in promoting Peering: Ralph V. – Wingu Africa
11:00 Peering and Interconnection (yt) Peering and Interconnection – Being Open, Meta and it’s Edge: Ben Ryall – Meta (*Will not be streamed*) PeeringDB: Ben Ryall – Meta Peering & Peering Coordinators: Ghislain Nkeramugaba – IXP Development Expert, Internet Society Devoloping Peering Policies: Ghislain Nkeramugaba – IXP Development Expert, Internet Society
14:00 Measurement, Tools, and Automation (yt) Achieving Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2030 with Internet Number Resources Expansion: Cedric B. – AfriNIC Overview of Internet Resilience Measurements: Kevin Chege – Director, Internet Development, Internet Society Regional Peering & Transit: Ghislain Nkeramugaba – IXP Development Expert, Internet Society
This discussion aims to make the provisions of the Rules more understandable and relatable to a wider audience and provoke thoughts about the governance framework India needs and to encourage stakeholder(s) to make submissions.
On Tuesday-Thursday 21-23 January 2025 the Internet Development Conference (IDC 2025) will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Organized by the Internet Society under the patronage of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the Internet Development Conference focuses on strengthening Internet infrastructure and regulatory frameworks within the African Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Djibouti.
08:30 Opening Session (yt | txt) H.E. Dr. Belete Molla – Minister, Ministry of Innovation and Technology of FDRE Dr. Asrat Mulatu – President, Internet Society Ethiopia Chapter Demos Kyriacou – Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer, Wingu Africa Dr. Emmanuel C. Manasseh, Acting Regional Director, ITU Regional Office – Africa Eng. Balcha Reba, Director General, Ethiopian Communications Authority
11:00 Digital Strategies: Hopes and Accomplishments (yt | txt) Mihret Woodmatas – Senior ICT Expert, African Union Commission Dr. Abiyot Bayou – Senior Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Innovation and Technology of FDRE
Moderator: Dr. Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President – Africa, Internet Society
14:00 Regulations to Connect the Unconnected (Parallel Session – Main) (yt | txt) Mavis Maunganidze – Programme Officer, ITU Regional Office- Africa Million Hailemichael – Deputy Director General Ethiopian Communications Authority Barrack Otieno – Chairman, Association of Community Networks in Kenya Joshua Mpairwe – Internet Society Uganda Chapter Rhian Duarte – Senior Manager for Public Affairs, Abrint – Brazilian Association of Internet Service Providers Erkan Satik – Director of Cloud Ecosystem & Alliances, Wingu Africa
Moderator: Robel Kitaba – Network Engineering Expert
14:00 Digitization of the Financial Sector in Ethiopia (Parallel Session – Breakout) (yt | txt) Solomon Damtew – Payment and Settlement Director, National Bank of Ethiopia Melka Girma – COO, Shega Media Beza Mamo – Director, Payment Application, EthSwitch Samrawit Fikru – CEO, Hybrid Designs PLC Seyoum Damtew – Director, Information System Security, CBE
Moderator: Dr. Beakal Gizachew – Assistant Professor, Addis Ababa University
Day 2: 22 January 2025
09:00 Internet Infrastructure Development (yt | txt) Ghislain Nkeramugaba – IXP Development Expert, Internet Society Freddy Mrema – Group Director, Enterprise Sales and Marketing, Wingu Africa Barrack Otieno – Chairman, Association of Community Networks in Kenya Dr. Carlos Rey-Moreno – Co-founder, Zenzeleni Networks Tigest Damtie – CEO, 251 Cloud
Moderator: Dr. Ephrem Teshale – Chief Technology Officer, Zergaw Cloud Service Provider
11:00 Internet Resilience and Regional Integration (yt | txt) Ben Ryall, Edge Strategy Manager, Meta Dr. Amreesh Phokeer, Internet Measurement and Data Expert, Internet Society
Moderator: Kebadu Belachew – Cloud Engineer, Fannie Mae
14:00 Bringing Africa’s Connectivity to The Next Level (Parallel Session – Main) (yt | txt) Steve Song – Senior Director, Infrastructure Mapping and Development, Internet Society Dan York – Senior Advisor, Internet Society David Belson – Head of Data Insight, Cloudflare
Moderator: Meshingo Jack – Government Digital Transformation Advisory, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
14:00 Internet in Education in Ethiopia (Parallel Session – Breakout) (yt | txt) Dr. Muluneh Atinef – ICT and Digital Education, MoE Project Coordinator, eLearning for Strengthening Higher education (eSHE) Mulugeta Assefa – Managing Director, BRDGE Yehalem Abebe – Executive Director, Partners in Education Ethiopia Prof. Meoli Kashorda – Executive Director, KENET
Moderator: Dr Fekade Getahun – Ministry of Innovation and Technology
Day 3: 23 January 2025
09:00 Changing People’s Lives Using the Internet (yt | txttxt) Chris Locke – Managing Director, Internet Society Foundation
Moderator: Yilikal Abate – President ICT-ET
09:30 Reporting of previous day sessions and discussions (yt | txt)
Rapporteur: Yohannes Fassika – ethiotelecom
Moderator: Yilikal Abate – President ICT-ET
11:00 Closing (yt | txt) Dr. Dawit Bekele – Regional VP Africa, Internet Society H.E. Dr. Yeshurun Alemayehu – State Minister, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, FDRE Eng. Balcha Reba – Director General, Ethiopian Communications Authority
How can the Interplanetary Internet help us solve terrestrial networking challenges today? This keynote explores the Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking(DTN) architecture—originally designed to handle vast distances, disruptions, and celestial mechanics in space communications—and shows why its principles apply equally well here on Earth. Samo Grasic will dive into the key DTN characteristics that make it robust, reliable, and resilient, and examine concrete examples of DTN’s benefits for terrestrial use cases. Since 2016 Samo has been employed at Dálvvadis Economical Association, where he leads the design and development of the Nomatrack LoRa-DTN platform. This platform, specifically crafted for reindeer herding purposes in remote Arctic environments, has been widely deployed by the Dalvvadis association in the north of Sweden.
SPEAKER Samo Grasic – Lead, IPNSIG Pilot Project Working Group
On February 5 2025 DigitalReach hosted a panel ‘The Future of Content Moderation in Southeast Asia‘. Experts discussed the human rights implications of recent changes in the content policies of major social media platforms, in particular, Facebook, for users and governments in the region.
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