The Department of Communications (DOC) has committed more than R7.4 million for the promotion of ethics in the information society.
In conjunction with the University of Pretoria, it held the third African Network on Information Ethics (ANIE) conference last week.
This followed the cooperation by both parties in establishment of an African Centre of Excellence on Information Ethics, based at the university. The centre is used as a research hub on ethical dimensions of information society through applied research.
The conference was attended by delegates from 12 participating universities across the African continent, US and Ireland, to discuss information ethics and social media, in Africa.
Abusing ICTs
The theme of the conference was “Cheetah Generation's fast track towards Social Media and Information Ethics”.
DOC deputy director-general for ICT policy, Themba Phiri, officially opened the ANIE conference, which focused on the teaching of information ethics.
“We acknowledge the importance of ethics in the information society, which should foster justice, the dignity, and worth of the human person. The use of ICTs and content creation should respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of others, including personal privacy, and the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion in conformity with relevant international instruments,” said Phiri.
The International Telecommunication Union's World Summit on the Information Society called upon governments and relevant stakeholders to take appropriate actions and preventive measures, against the abusive use of ICTs. This includes acts motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, hatred, violence and all forms of child abuse.
“We have committed over R7.4 million for three years starting in 2011. This funding is meant to support the University of Pretoria towards the establishment of Africa Centre of Excellence on Information Ethics,” said Phiri.
“We also support the fact that this centre will work to support other African universities within ANIE to move towards a similar direction, through curriculum development and support, and teaching where possible.”
Cyber legislation
Phiri also indicated that information ethics research is even more important today in informing policies to curb the perpetual abuse of ICTs.
“As a government, we promote the positive use of ICTs especially for information and knowledge, for education and healthcare provision; and for improving service delivery by government and relevant bodies. ICTs have the potential to enhance economic activity through, among others, the facilitation of electronic services provision including e-transaction.”
The department adds that, through social media, there is the ability to change and build social capital so that integration of various communities is made possible, especially where misconceptions and stereotypes exist.
“By defining some broad principles of information ethics, we can give effect to the reform and harmonisation of cyber-related legislations in our countries,” said Phiri.
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