Blogging needs no Regulation

Bloggers and journalists came together yesterday (18th February 2015) at the iHub to discuss whether bloggers should be regulated. The forum also discussed some differences (if any) between journalism and blogging, and therefore how the Government and regulatory bodies should handle them (the same way, or differently?)

From the start, panelists agreed that defining blogging is of great importance to better steer discussion.

@NjeriWangari says first we should define what blogging is. The lose definition is too ambigous hence dangerous #ifreeke #bloggersforum

— iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

Is there a difference between journalism and blogging?  

The main difference between bloggers & journalists is journalists have regulations and standards governing them @makali001 #bloggersforum — iHub (@iHub) February 18, 2015

The role of bloggers in the increasing technological space in access to information is becoming evident. It is also providing information that media would otherwise not publish.

Blogging is a form of expression #BloggersForum — Kanali Nixon (@NicKanali) February 18, 2015

Blogging covers any form of online expression across all social media platforms #BloggersForum — MissWriter (@corriemwende) February 18, 2015

@makali001 says bloggers are bridging the information gap which journalists have failed due to media restrictions #ifreeke #bloggersforum — iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

However, the standards for bloggers needs to high. If they are to attain professionalism, much is expected of them.  

“Citizen journalism” is where you find bloggers filling the role where the media isn’t doing there job. #BloggersForum — Erik Hersman (@whiteafrican) February 18, 2015

The question of regulating blogging was therefore unanimously agreed as a no.

@BAKE_ke will not regulate bloggers since they cannot regulate freedom of expression, says @NjeriWangari #ifreeke #bloggersforum

— iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

BAKE is dedicated for quality content and it abides by the code of conduct #Bloggersforum — Justin Biketi (@BiketiKenya) February 18, 2015

@NjeriWangari says bloggers are already regulation by the Constitution. #ifreeke #bloggersforum

— iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

Eng. Buret of CAK argues that bloggers do not need to be regulated but should regulate themselves #bloggersforum — Mzalendo (@MzalendoWatch) February 18, 2015

‘I dont think we need to do anything about regulation as the Constitution already provides for it’ @DavidMakali #bloggersforum

— BAKE (@BAKE_ke) February 18, 2015

Abdalla Omari, GM @KenicTLD says he is for self regulation #BloggersForum — Nekesa J. Were (@Nekesa) February 18, 2015

There is however need to ensure that as blogging grows, there is more responsibility from bloggers. This should not be limited to the blogger alone. They need to also instill the same responsibility to other bloggers to ensure it is respected as a profession.

There is need to be more awareness, not regulation for bloggers – Eng. Buret from @CA_Kenya #bloggersforum

— Mzalendo (@MzalendoWatch) February 18, 2015

@BAKE_ke should play a strong role in standing against bloggers who are being unethical. #BloggersForum — Wanjiru Kihusa (@wanjirukihusa) February 18, 2015

@makali001 says exercising peer control to bloggers who provide wrong information is critical and apparent @BAKE_ke #ifreeke #bloggersforum

— iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

I agree with @davidMakali that good Kenyan bloggers need to openly (publicly) fight back against the bad bloggers #BloggersForum

— Erik Hersman (@whiteafrican) February 18, 2015

Moving forward, bloggers were challenged to extend their tentacles and take part in international conversations that affect the internet. This is because blogging is global and decision made anywhere in the world will affect local bloggers.

Mr. Omari from Kenic says internet is global hence global focus needs not be absent of Kenya’s views #ifreeke #bloggersforum — iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

Some unknown aspects also came to the fore. For instance, the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) has links with institutions like Facebook which Kenyans should exploit when need arises.  

Should your .com website be compromised, report it to @CA_Kenya who will take the necessary action #bloggersforum — iHub (@iHub) February 18, 2015

Eng. Buret says CAK has direct communication links to institutions like Twitter and Facebook #ifreeke #bloggersforum — iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

Hence this relationship should give an aggrieved Kenyan power to seek CAK intervention when need arises #ifreeke #bloggersforum — iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

Finally

Bloggers should continue occupying spaces left by mainstream media and creating partnership for sharing information #bloggersforum #ifreeke — iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

Waiting on media tech startups and the disruption they’ll deal the traditional media space. #Bloggersforum — Nanjira (@NiNanjira) February 18, 2015

“Blogging is the most african thing can u can do Online” #bloggersforum — Emre CAN (@prince_awil) February 18, 2015

@mentalacrobatic says blogging is the most African thing today. It is telling stories your own way #ifreeke #bloggersforum — iFreedoms Kenya (@iFreedomsKE) February 18, 2015

You can watch the session here.