[FM Discuss] Fwd: [BDPA-Africa] Uganda to intercept text messages

[Edward Cherlin]

FYI. It's not part of our Circumvention software strategy, but it is,
I think, of interest to us.


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: chifu_wa_malindi <chifu2222 at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 18, 2011 at 10:15
Subject: [BDPA-Africa] Uganda to intercept text messages
To: BDPA-Africa at yahoogroups.com


Uganda to intercept text messages
By BENON HERBERT OLUKA
Posted Friday, February 18 2011 at 13:30

KAMPALA

If you plan to send a mobile phone text message during the election
period, you are best advised to choose your words carefully or the
message could be blocked from reaching your intended recipient.

The Uganda Communications Commission Friday released 18 words and
names that it has instructed mobile phone short message service (SMS)
to flag if they are contained in any text message. They are then
supposed to read the rest of the content of the message and if it is
deemed to be "controversial or advanced to incite the public", will be
blocked.

The words are 'Tunisia', 'Egypt', 'Ben Ali', 'Mubarak', 'dictator',
'teargas', 'kafu' (it is dead), 'yakabbadda' (he/she cried long time
ago), 'emuudu/emundu' (gun), 'gasiya' (rubbish), 'army/ police/UPDF',
'people power', and 'gun/bullet'.

"Messages containing such words when encountered, by the network of
facility owner or operator, should be scrutinised and if deemed to be
controversial or advanced to incite the public should be stopped or
blocked. A report of all blocked messages should then be prepared and
submitted to UCC in 48 hours," says a confidential email sent by the
office of the UCC Executive Director, Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi.

"A report of all blocked messages should then be prepared and
submitted to UCC in 48 hours," adds the message.

UCC officials Friday confirmed that a meeting held on February 15 had
agreed on the words to be black-listed. UCC Media and Public Relations
Specialist, Isaac Kalembe, said: "It is official communication from
UCC, having been disseminated to service providers yesterday."

The Manager for Communications and Consumer Affairs, Fred Otunnu, said
the decision to censure text messages was part of its effort "to
ensure free, fair and peaceful elections".

"The main thrust behind the meeting held on February 15 with the
service providers was mainly to bring to their notice the possibility
of manipulation of ICT during this election period with the potential
danger of inciting violence and hatred among others. The Commission
told them that such periods filled with high tension and excitement
are quite vulnerable to manipulation by some people who would want to
use the same media to incite violence among others," he said.

"We brought it to their attention that some words are likely words
that may be used in trying to cause that kind of excitement. We said
they should look out and if in their considered opinion a message has
the potential to cause that kind of excitement, then they should
minimise its broadcast by way of blocking it.

"The main purpose for us as a regulator and the service providers
alike is together to ensure that the services are used responsibly to
foster free, fair and peaceful elections," added Mr Otunnu.

Asked whether this was not a form of censorship, Mr Otunnu said: "I
don't think it is censorship because censorship is much more than
that. We have not actually closed down some media but even in the most
democratic countries, governments have the responsibility to ensure
responsible usage of such facilities."

Social media has been used in many countries to mobilise people to
demonstrate against incumbent governments. The decision by the UCC to
bar the usage of certain words seems like an attempt to circumvent
threats by some opposition parties and their supporters that they will
demonstrate if elections are rigged by the ruling party.

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/Uganda+to+intercept+text+messages/-/1066/1110046/-/rhbvdp/-/index.html



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-- 
Edward Mokurai (默雷/धर्ममेघशब्दगर्ज/دھرممیگھشبدگر ج) Cherlin
Silent Thunder is my name, and Children are my nation.
The Cosmos is my dwelling place, the Truth my destination.
http://www.earthtreasury.org/