A FRICA INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM TH SEPTEMBER,2015 AFRICA UNION COMMISSION HQS, ADDIS ABABA,ETHIOPIA Presented By: Michael Ilishebo, ZAMBIA

OUTLINE  Introduction  Definition  Bottlenecks in Enforcement  Way Forward  Conclusion

Spam continues to be a significant problem for Internet users and operators, even as filtering and blocking efforts by network operators, software vendors and Internet service providers (ISPs). Spam makes up between 50% and 70% of traffic worldwide. Thus, spam can create a significant burden for network operators, and the problems associated with spam may be magnified in developing countries, where high volumes of incoming and outgoing spam can cause a severe drain on the limited and costly bandwidth that is available in those regions. Many African countries have come up with legal frameworks to combat the rise in spam and other cyber crimes. However, coming up with beautiful piece of legislature is another thing when the African law enforcement agencies are on the bottom of the digital crime chain due to the digital divide between high tech digital criminals and traditional policing currently prevailing on the continent. Are we ready to use cyber security methods to combat spam?  Introduction

SPAM…… There is no global definition of what constitutes a spam. The central elements to define spam, i.e. unsolicited mail, bulk and commercial, are not adaptable to fit in a global spam explanation.  Definition

In Africa, many government law enforcement agencies, despite the presence of cyber laws in place, have done little to fight online crimes. In the case of SPAM, among the bottlenecks hindering enforcement include the following: 1 – LEGAL FRAMEWORK A) Legal Definition of Spam B) Jurisdictional Issues 2- LACK OF CYBER SECURITY CAPACITY BUILDING A) Law Enforcement Training B) Digital Evidence preservation  Bottlenecks in Enforcement

The way forward in the enforcement of Cyber Laws in Africa lies fundamentally on the following: (A) Harmonized Cyber Laws (B)Extradition treaties and mutual legal assistance frameworks (C)Electronic evidence (definition) for application in courts; (D) Enhance awareness on cybercrime; (E) Public – Private co-operation (Cyber security) (F) Capacity Building training (Law Enforcement officers)  Way Forward

With the ever increasing cost of accessing internet in Africa coupled with limited bandwidth, the impact spam causes on businesses, Organization's and individuals is costly. To leave this fight to law enforcement agencies alone is shooting ourselves on the legs. Fighting spam and cyber crime in general requires a multi- stakeholder approach where the governments (law enforcement), private sector (Business/Users) and technical (ISPs / Network Operators) come together to address this innocently seemingly but economical threat. There is no single way to eliminate spam but through a combination of initiatives and measure employed by users, software vendors, ISPs and governments… Partner with your law enforcement agencies in your countries…they need your expertise for a better and safer africa cyber space.  Conclusion

FIN… THANK YOU