Centre for Internet and Society

CIS_BD4D_Guideline03_AS+PT_BigDataAIEthicsReview_SummaryNotes PDF

pranav — 2020-05-19T10:57:00Z

For more details visit https://cis-india.org/raw/bd4d-guideline-documents/AIEthicsReview

‘Future of Work’ in India’s IT/IT-eS Sector pdf

pranav — 2020-04-28T09:52:19Z

For more details visit https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/2018future-of-work2019-in-india2019s-it-it-es-sector-pdf

India’s ‘Self-Goal’ in Telecom

Shyam Ponappa — 2020-04-09T07:18:26Z

This post was first published in the Business Standard, on March 5, 2020.

The government apparently cannot resolve the problems in telecommunications. Why? Because the authorities are trying to balance the Supreme Court order on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), with keeping the telecom sector healthy, while safeguarding consumer interest. These irreconcilable differences have arisen because both the United Progressive Alliance and the National Democratic Alliance governments prosecuted unreasonable claims for 15 years, despite adverse rulings! This imagined “impossible trinity” is an entirely self-created conflation.
If only the authorities focused on what they can do for India’s real needs instead of tilting at windmills, we’d fare better. Now, we are close to a collapse in communications that would impede many sectors, compound the problem of non-performing assets (NPAs), demoralise bankers, increase unemployment, and reduce investment, adding to our economic and social problems.
Is resolving the telecom crisis central to the public interest? Yes, because people need good infrastructure to use time, money, material, and mindshare effectively and efficiently, with minimal degradation of their environment, whether for productive purposes or for leisure. Systems that deliver water, sanitation, energy, transport and communications support all these activities. Nothing matches the transformation brought about by communications in India from 2004 to 2011 in our complex socio-economic terrain and demography. Its potential is still vast, limited only by our imagination and capacity for convergent action. Yet, the government’s dysfunctional approach to communications is in stark contrast to the constructive approach to make rail operations viable for private operators.
India’s interests are best served if people get the services they need for productivity and wellbeing with ease, at reasonable prices. This is why it is important for government and people to understand and work towards establishing good infrastructure.

What the Government Can Do

An absolute prerequisite is for all branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), the press and media, and society, to recognise that all of us must strive together to conceptualise and achieve good infrastructure. It is not “somebody else’s job”, and certainly not just the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT’s). The latter cannot do it alone, or even take the lead, because the steps required far exceed its ambit.

Act Quickly

These actions are needed immediately:

First, annul the AGR demand using whatever legal means are available. For instance, the operators could file an appeal, and the government could settle out of court, renouncing the suit, accepting the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) ruling of 2015 on AGR.

Second, issue an appropriate ordinance that rescinds all extended claims. Follow up with the requisite legislation, working across political lines for consensus in the national interest.

Third, take action to organise and deliver communications services effectively and efficiently to as many people as possible. The following steps will help build and maintain more extensive networks with good services, reasonable prices, and more government revenues.

Enable Spectrum Usage on Feasible Terms

Wireless regulations

It is infeasible for fibre or cable to reach most people in India, compared with wireless alternatives. Realistically, the extension of connectivity beyond the nearest fibre termination point is through wireless middle-mile connections, and Wi-Fi for most last-mile links. The technology is available, and administrative decisions together with appropriate legislation can enable the use of spectrum immediately in 60GHz, 70-80GHz, and below 700MHz bands to be used by authorised operators for wireless connectivity. The first two bands are useful for high-capacity short and medium distance hops, while the third is for up to 10 km hops. The DoT can follow its own precedent set in October 2018 for 5GHz for Wi-Fi, i.e., use the US Federal Communications Commission regulations as a model.1 The one change needed is an adaptation to our circumstances that restricts their use to authorised operators for the middle-mile instead of open access, because of the spectrum payments made by operators. Policies in the public interest allowing spectrum use without auctions do not contravene Supreme Court orders.

Policies: Revenue sharing for spectrum

A second requirement is for all licensed spectrum to be paid for as a share of revenues based on usage as for licence fees, in lieu of auction payments. Legislation to this effect can ensure that spectrum for communications is either paid through revenue sharing for actual use, or is open access for all Wi-Fi bands. The restricted middle-mile use mentioned above can be charged at minimal administrative costs for management through geo-location databases to avoid interference. In the past, revenue-sharing has earned much more than up-front fees in India, and rejuvenated communications.2 There are two additional reasons for revenue sharing. One is the need to manufacture a significant proportion of equipment with Indian IPR or value-added, to not have to rely as much as we do on imports. This is critical for achieving a better balance-of-payments, and for strategic considerations. The second is to enable local talent to design and develop solutions for devices for local as well as global markets, which is denied because it is virtually impossible for them to access spectrum, no matter what the stated policies might claim.

Policies and Organisation for Infrastructure Sharing

Further, the government needs to actively facilitate shared infrastructure with policies and legislation. One way is through consortiums for network development and management, charging for usage by authorised operators. At least two consortiums that provide access for a fee, with government’s minority participation in both for security and the public interest, can ensure competition for quality and pricing. Authorised service providers could pay according to usage.
Press reports of a consortium approach to 5G where operators pay as before and the government “contributes” spectrum reflect seriously flawed thinking.3 Such extractive payments with no funds left for network development and service provision only support an illusion that genuine efforts are being made to the ill-informed, who simultaneously rejoice in the idea of free services while acclaiming high government charges (the two are obviously not compatible).
Instead of tilting at windmills that do not serve people’s needs while beggaring their prospects, commitment to our collective interests requires implementing what can be done with competence and integrity.

Shyam (no space) Ponappa at gmail dot com
1. https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/2018_10_29%20DCC.pdf
2. http://organizing-india.blogspot.in/2016/04/ breakthroughs- needed-for-digital-india.html
3. https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-considering-spv-with-5g-sweetener-as-solution-to-telecom-crisis-120012300302_1.html

For more details visit https://cis-india.org/internet-governance/indias-self-goal-in-telecom

Programme Associate (Communications)

gurshabad — 2020-08-09T13:51:27Z

The Centre for Internet & Society (CIS) is seeking applications for the position of Programme Associate (Communications), to support its Access to Knowledge (CIS-A2K) Programme. In keeping with efforts within the larger Wikimedia movement in encouraging an inclusive workplace and addressing issues of gender disparity This position is presently open only to applicants who identify as women.

Context of the CIS-A2K programme

As an affiliate of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit behind Wikipedia and it’s sister projects, we design and implement different initiatives with an aim to create high-quality content and bring new contributors to Wikimedia projects in Indian languages. The initiatives are premised on various themes and seek to create a multilingual repository of knowledge using Wikimedia projects as a platform. You are encouraged to carefully read through the CIS-A2K work plan before making the application. You will work cohesively with the Wikimedia community and the Wikimedia India communities to meet the specific goals of each language community in India. You will be a part of a small team of 5 to 10 members doing high visibility and high impact work. Please learn more about CIS-A2K here.

Position Summary

As Programme Associate, your job will be to support the Team’s larger goals -- growth of Indian language Wikipedias, other Wikimedia projects and the contributor communities. Your primary responsibility will be to support the Programme Associates -- that spearhead our on-ground programmatic activities -- with regular communication with the community and the outside world.

Responsibilities

Storytelling and all other forms of of communication-related responsibilities are two major focus areas of this job. You will explore conventional to new media to share the stories of the many of volunteers that make Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects such great knowledge repositories
Creating original stories of challenges and success of the Indian language Wikimedia communities, including the ones that we closely work with Being the interface between A2K team and the community and lead different kinds of communications activities
Sharing the work of the community and A2k team in a regular manner through print media, newsletters, social media, mailing list updates, blog posts etc., including timely announcement of programme activities on these platforms
Providing training on effective communications to the communities on a need basis and enabling them to independently tell their own stories in their own languages
Support with writing, review and editing of the annual work plan and reports of the programme
Interviewing Wikimedians under the ambit of the WikipediansSpeak project and beyond, and share the story of the Wikimedia community widely in the media

Required skills

Good communication skill in writing and speaking, which will be required for correspondence, blog, report etc writing
Experience of blog post, report etc writing
Prior experience of working in a collaborative community, preferably online.
Strong understanding of the internet and work of the Wikimedia movement.
Active participation as a Wikimedia volunteer would be an asset, though not a prerequisite. Demonstrated experience working in a global, multi-cultural team environment.
Must be fluent in English and at least one Indian language.
A good understanding of the cultural and knowledge universe of one Indian language will be an added advantage.
Ability to integrate with and understand the complexity of the Indian Wikimedia community.
Prior experience/ knowledge in working with social media for professional communication would be an added advantage.
Prior experience/knowledge in liasioning with conventional print/broadcast media would be an added advantage.

Characteristics of the Programme Associate

High level of commitment: The Programme Associate should believe in the values of CIS and Wikimedia projects, exude enthusiasm for the mission and can powerfully embody and communicate the mission.
Intellectual curiosity and flexibility: Must enjoy tackling difficult, ambiguous problems and able to incorporate new knowledge into how one approaches situations and generates solutions, loves learning from others while expanding intellectual horizons.
Open and transparent: Have a high level of integrity and be comfortable working in a highly transparent fashion, open to input and feedback, a proactive and candid communicator who isn't afraid to bring others in when things are off-track or when they need help and should be able to handle criticism in a mature fashion.
Community builder: It is essential that the Programme Associate sees themself as a partner to and supporter of the Wikimedians who have and will continue to be the leaders in building the Wikimedia projects. The Programme Associate must be willing and able to work with a diverse array of people, many of whom come from non-traditional backgrounds and have a fervent commitment to Wikimedia movement’s community-led nature.
Strong cultural competency: Able to navigate in a global movement and on a global team in addition to navigating the complexity of India.

Location: Candidate willing to work from CIS’s Bangalore office will be preferred. Remote working option may be considered for experienced Wikimedians

Remuneration: Compensation structure will be determined by the level of expertise, experience and current remuneration.

Do not send anymore application now. the last date is over
To apply, please send your resume to Tito Dutta (tito+comm@cis-india.org) and cover letter by 21 May 2020 (applications must be submitted with cover later before 21 May 11:59:00 IST, please ensure to apply through email only).

For more details visit https://cis-india.org/jobs/programme-associate-communications

Programme Associate (Graphic designer)

gurshabad — 2020-05-12T16:01:42Z

The Centre for Internet & Society (CIS) is seeking applications for the position of Programme Associate (Graphic designer), to support its Access to Knowledge (CIS-A2K) Programme. In keeping with efforts within the larger Wikimedia movement in encouraging an inclusive workplace and addressing issues of gender disparity Women applicants are encouraged for this position, however this position for anyone to apply.

Context of the CIS-A2K programme

Position summary

CIS-A2K is looking for an ideal candidate who will help the program as a graphic designer, the work will include creating and preparing graphic content such as images, media files etc related to the A2K programme. This will be a full-time position, based at the CIS office in Bengaluru. and. The designation will be Programme Associate (PA)

Responsibilities

Creating images, posters, banners, infographics, and other promotional materials for events and announcements, which will be circulated on social media channels and used in reports.
Strategising and designing reports (progress reports, impact reports, and proposal forms), and newsletters, to make them more accessible.
Helping and working with Wikimedia community members to create relevant visual content.
Developing illustrations, logos, and other graphic material digitally or by hand.

Required skills

Proven experience with graphic design (note related education qualification is a plus, but not mandatory)
A strong portfolio of illustrations and visual communication material
The person must have good experience in creating and preparing graphic content using design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Inkscape, and GIMP (free software usage experience will be preferable)
Relevant degree holders will be given preference.
Prior knowledge of working with open knowledge or open-source community will be a plus.
Candidates who are part of the Wikimedia community, or who have experience in contributing to Wikimedia projects will be given preference.
Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines.

Location: The position is based out of the CIS’s Bangalore office.
Remuneration: Compensation structure will be determined by the level of expertise, experience and current remuneration.
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Tito Dutta (tito+gd@cis-india.org) by 24 May 2020 11:59 pm IST (applications won't be accepted after the deadline)

Please do not miss the +gd part in the email, that is an email filter for us)

For more details visit https://cis-india.org/jobs/programme-associate-graphic-designer

Indian Wikimedian Communities and the Gender Gap - A Space of Change, Negotiation, and Growth

bhuvana — 2020-03-09T12:15:16Z

This blog post covers key findings of the Wikipedia Gender Gap research completed by Ting-Yi Chang in April 2018. The paper was titled “Examining Female Editors’ Identity and Agency Negotiation Process within Indian Wikimedia Projects and Communities”. Here Ting-Yi brings us several observations on how the contributions by women editors' impacts Indian Wikimedia. This research focuses on participation of the women in Wikimedia activities with an emphasis on creating safe spaces and encouraging skill development.

More than two years have passed since I left India and the Indian Wikimedian communities who supported my research with considerable generosity and invaluable insights. The paper “Examining Female Editors’ Identity and Agency Negotiation Process within Indian Wikimedia Projects and Communities” was eventually finished in April 2018, featuring a qualitative analysis on 21 female Indian Wikimedians’ experiences within the communities^{^[1]}.

Due to the nature of a university thesis, the paper put great emphasis on theoretical framework testing and application, which was a good exercise for a young researcher but a rather non-approachable piece for the general public. This blog post serves to mitigate this gap to cover the key findings through 6 Q&As.

Research Context
When engaging with Indian Wikimedian Communities and looking at literature on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), I figured that a lot of attention was given to the question of access, awareness, and skills - “Do women have internet access and devices?” “Is there enough awareness among women?” “Do women have enough technical skills to participate in online activities?”

However, for me, empowerment means asking more than these questions. After a woman has gained enough access, awareness, and skills, shouldn’t we ask: “How does she feel when she goes online or participate in a project like Wikipedia editing?” “Does her identity as a woman influence her power and the choices she makes in a male-dominant online community?” “How can we do better as a community to sensitize ourselves and make women feel more welcoming in the online space?”

This research hence used Wikimedian Communities in India as a case study to answer the following questions:

Q1: Is a free and open knowledge movement friendly to female Wikimedians and beginners?
The research found that almost all female participants who we interviewed expressed that they are in support of a free and open knowledge movement. Some of them also stated that their pride and passion in their mother tongue and culture was a major factor that motivates their participation. However, while answering this question, many also mentioned the barriers posed by a “free” movement. Since participating in Wikimedia projects is a volunteer work, some female Wikimedians reflected that they had to face doubts and questioning from their family who did not see their involvement as something beneficial - at least not on a monetary level. Many also mentioned the opportunity costs that are unique to a female Wikimedian. For example, women may be expected to take up more caretaking and household chores that would prevent them from going to community meetups and editing events. In other words, a “free” and “volunteer-based” project imposes an invisible threshold of privileges - those who have higher educational backgrounds, more disposable income and time are more likely to participate. Hence, Wikimedia projects’ free and open nature could be a double edged sword.

Q2: Is a Wikimedian community an effective space for gender/feminist movements?
Since there is an increase in the awareness of the Wikipedia gender gap and in the number of Gender Gap Bridging initiatives, it is easy to assume that a Wikimedian community is an effective space for movements. However, our research found that these movements and initiatives in Indian Wikimedian Communities have usually been small by scale, temporary, and event-based (e.g. gender gap bridging themed edit-a-thons). The reason behind could be that Wikimedian Communities’ main objective is essentially content creation, resulting in the situation that movements are usually associated with content creating activities. Alternatively, having the space for “non-productive” discussion and sensitizing training could in fact be productive and helpful for the community health as a whole. For example, I noted that building a “socializing” space creates a sense of belonging to many female Wikimedians and could possibly increase their willingness to be part of the projects in the long run.

Q3: Do female Wikimedians find that their online identity are unaffected by offline identities such as gender?
To quickly answer this question - No, a woman’s offline identity is very much connected to her online identity and experience. Through the interview process, we’ve learned that many female Wikimedians have chosen to primarily engage online in order to avoid uncomfortable offline interaction. However, it was also mentioned that online harassment, threats, and discrimination are still a common experience. Some informants also mentioned that in such close-knit communities like the Indian Wikimedian Communities, it is hard to be fully online or anonymous. Offline interaction and events actually are a very important part of community engagement that female Wikimedians risk missing out on. Hence, reconstructing both the online and offline community space are necessary as there is no one space that is “genderless.”

Q4: Do female Wikimedians perceive that they are treated fairly and receive equitable resources and opportunities within the Wikimedian communities?
Many female Wikimedians reflected that they felt welcome and treated equality as members of the Wikimedian Communities. Some even raise examples on how they were recognized as key contributors in their language communities. However, there are also comments on the “tokenizing” aspect of a seemingly well-intended, equitable practice. In one interview, an informant mentioned that she was “reminded” that the opportunity she was given was a perk based on her gender. Yet another informant stated that she was given opportunities but not on a decision-making level. Some other informants also mentioned that in order for women to be recognized as productive contributors, there needs to be changes on the inherent biased guidelines on what is “verifiable” and “notable” knowledge. In other words, it is not only on a community level that women could face discrimination, it is also in the knowledge system where we must challenge inequality.

Q5: Do female Wikimedians feel free when they are editing and engaging in the communities?
Many female Wikimedians stated that they feel free as in free to edit and to learn. Some, however, stated that when it comes to procedural freedom on how they should be writing and how they should contribute in the community, there are still certain pressure on women imposed by more experienced Wikimedians.

Q6: Does participating in Wikimedian community activities help female Wikimedians gain confidence and skills to pursue self-realization?
Most female Wikimedians who had worked on the projects for a while and took leadership positions in their communities commented that the experience enabled them to adopt new skills and confidence that they found useful in Wikimedia projects and beyond. Many commented that they were able to explore different possibilities and knowledge through the projects and through learning with the communities who have taught to inspired them. Some, however, also mentioned that although they have gained new skills, there is a certain level of self-censorship on things a female Wikimedian could say and edit on. For example, they take “calculated risk” when editing Wikipedia pages on feminist topics and other more debated gender issues which often attract conflicts. Some also mentioned that their self-realization and accomplishments need to be recognized instead of belittled or brushed off because of their gender. This reminds us that building confidence, skills, and pursuing self-realization is not an individual goal, it is so intrinsically connected to the community that we work together. Creating and maintaining a healthy community culture is hence imperative.

The link to the full paper can be found here.

^{^[1]} There were 23 informants participating in the research data collection process. 21 of them were female-identified individuals while the remaining 2 non-female interviewees were key informants within the communities.

For more details visit https://cis-india.org/a2k/blogs/indian-wikimedian-communities-and-the-gender-gap-a-space-of-change-negotiation-and-growth