Hi folks,

FYI

Katim

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> From: Irfan Khan <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Article 19 on the internet in Africa (fwd)
> Date: Monday, May 31, 1999 11:21 AM
>
> [from the Democracy News mailing list 5/27/99]
>
>
> AFRICA: INTERNET CENSORSHIP-  African countries are finally gaining
> increasing access to the Internet, while authorities continue to
> maintain control of the medium at the same time, says a new ARTICLE
> 19 report entitled "The Right to Communicate: The Internet in
> Africa". According to the report, 51 out of Africa's 54 countries
> have access to the Internet, even though it is expensive and is
> impeded by communications barriers. ARTICLE 19 says,"E-mail and
> discussion groups, in particular, have been quickly embraced as
> powerful tools for sharing information and ideas." Authorities have
> used various methods to control access to the Internet, some by
> maintaining a monopoly on telecommunications, others by controlling
> new services such as the Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
> Nonetheless, the report says, "journalists and human right
> organizations in Africa have been quick to embrace e-mail because of
> its relative speed and reliability, as well as its ability to
> circumvent government censorship and control."  To obtain a copy
> contact: ARTICLE 19 at 33 Islington High St., London N19LH, U.K.;
> tel: +44 1 71 278 9292;  fax: +44 1 71 713; e-mail:
> [log in to unmask]; Website: http://www.gn.apc.org/article19/.