Hack the Digital Divides | IGF 2023 Day 0 Event #19

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There are several arguments and stances related to the topic of algorithms and information access on social media platforms. According to one argument, algorithms used by social media platforms restrict diversity and limit information access. This viewpoint raises concerns that the algorithms employed by these platforms may filter content and limit exposure to a diverse range of opinions and ideas.

The impact of such restrictions on the information users receive and their ability to access various perspectives is a matter of concern.

On the other hand, another stance emphasizes the importance of diverse information access and questions the role of changing platforms in achieving this goal.

This perspective raises questions about whether changing platforms can truly bring about the desired diverse information access or if other factors also need to be considered.

A criticism commonly leveled against social media algorithms is their heavy focus on ads, sponsors, and data collection, rather than prioritizing the needs and preferences of the target audience.

This raises concerns about the extent to which algorithms shape the content users are exposed to and the potential implications for their information consumption and privacy.

One possible solution put forward is the creation of independent platforms that are not influenced by major corporations.

It is believed that these independent platforms can offer a more open and accessible space for information sharing, free from the limitations and biases that might come with corporate influence.

Moving to the topic of app development, one speaker, Ibrahim, expresses the belief that using JavaScript and Bootstrap is effective for app development.

Ibrahim’s preference for web app development indicates a recognition of the potential benefits of these languages in creating functional and user-friendly applications. It is also highlighted that Ibrahim prioritizes privacy and security in the current landscape of app development.

The development of secure apps requires careful selection of providers, with some providers offering plug-ins that require payment for third-party protection.

This highlights the importance of considering security aspects when making decisions about app development and selecting the appropriate providers.

The Ajoke.ai solution is presented as an effective and efficient tool for app security. Its effectiveness in enhancing the security of applications suggests the potential value it can bring to the app development process.

In the context of Africa, a significant digital divide and a lack of asset utilization are identified as key challenges.

Despite the region’s abundant potential and assets, there is a pronounced gap in effectively utilizing these resources for economic growth and development. This raises concerns about the missed opportunities and the need to address this disparity.

One recommendation put forward is the emphasis on credit risk management to support the financing and empowerment of African youth.

With a large population of youths in Africa, providing access to loans for financing and entrepreneurship is crucial. However, difficulties in loan retrieval pose risks to financing and youth empowerment and thus require effective credit risk management strategies.

In conclusion, the arguments and stances surrounding algorithms and information access on social media platforms highlight concerns about the potential impact on diversity and information accessibility.

The need for independent platforms, effective app development strategies, secure app solutions like Ajoke.ai, and addressing the digital divide and asset utilization in Africa are areas of focus identified. Furthermore, the importance of credit risk management for the financing and empowerment of African youth is highlighted.

These insights shed light on the challenges and potential solutions in the realm of algorithms, app development, and information access.

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Gloria Mangi is the creator of the African Queens Project, an initiative aimed at telling the stories of African women by African women. She believes in the importance of authentic representation and advocates for the inclusion of African women’s stories in the narrative of Africa, going beyond the portrayal of issues and challenges.

Mangi’s project has received recognition from the World Summit Awards for its social and digital impact.

To reach a broader audience, Mangi uses various mediums such as radio and podcasts as part of her project. She sees these platforms as powerful tools to share the stories of African women and bridge the gap between different communities.

However, she also highlights the digital divide in Africa, where access to technology is not equitably distributed. She stresses that while some individuals may have mobile phones in rural areas, they might lack network coverage, while others with coverage might not have the means to fully utilise it.

Mangi argues that efforts should be made to implement projects and platforms that can bridge this divide.

Authenticity and verification of information are key principles for Mangi. She underscores the importance of ensuring that information is true and verifiable, and believes that not everyone with a social media platform can be considered a journalist.

Mangi criticises the current social media algorithm model, expressing concerns that it prioritises ad revenue and data collection over reaching a diverse audience.

In an effort to counter the influence of corporate control, Mangi suggests the creation of independent platforms that are not controlled by corporations.

She emphasises the importance of raising awareness about alternative information access, such as the African Queens Project app. Additionally, she believes that ambassadorship and networking play crucial roles in spreading the word about these independent platforms.

Mangi identifies the challenge of spreading information about the African Queens Project and other relevant happenings in Africa.

This highlights the need for platforms or forums that disseminate information about Africa to a global audience. She acknowledges her own limitations in app development, highlighting the necessity of technical expertise in creating successful apps.

Partnership and bridge-building are seen as effective strategies to leverage already established infrastructures.

Mangi emphasises the importance of telling stories and connecting people for a common vision. She believes that these efforts can contribute to reducing inequalities and creating a more inclusive society.

In summary, Gloria Mangi’s African Queens Project aims to tell the stories of African women by African women.

She advocates for authentic representation, using various platforms to reach a larger audience. Mangi highlights the digital divide in Africa and calls for projects and platforms that bridge this gap. She emphasises the importance of verifying information and challenges the current social media algorithm model.

Mangi advocates for independent platforms and highlights the need for awareness about alternative information access. Partnership and bridge-building are seen as ways to leverage existing infrastructures. Mangi’s ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive society through storytelling and connecting people for a common vision.

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The Social Lab is an open innovation platform that aims to connect talented individuals with resources and opportunities, with a focus on triple impact solutions that are economically sustainable. Over the last 10 years, the platform has had more than 1.5 million creators who have proposed 85,000 solutions.

This demonstrates the platform’s success in fostering collective digital intelligence and encouraging innovation.

Matias Rojas, a key figure in the Social Lab, firmly believes that complex problems cannot be solved with one-size-fits-all solutions. He argues that distributed solutions from a diverse group of individuals are necessary to tackle these complex problems effectively.

Moreover, he highlights the fact that talent is evenly distributed among people, but opportunities are not, and it is imperative to level the playing field by providing resources and connections to social entrepreneurs, regardless of their backgrounds.

In pursuit of its mission, the Social Lab runs an innovation contest that focuses on solutions with local impact.

These solutions are evaluated based on their social, environmental, and economic aspects, ensuring a holistic approach to problem-solving. The platform assists participants in gaining the necessary connection capital to gain traction and support from relevant authorities.

One unique aspect of the Social Lab is its role in financing solutions.

While the organization does not possess a pool of money, it identifies where the demand for financing is. For example, if a municipality shows interest in funding a solution, the organization channels the finance to the relevant entrepreneur. This approach ensures that promising ideas receive the financial support they need to thrive.

In addition to promoting entrepreneurial innovation, the Social Lab acknowledges the importance of data-based credit history in financial inclusion.

Credit history based on data is an evolving concept that many people have yet to fully grasp. This lack of data often leads to financial exclusion, a problem that the Social Lab seeks to address.

Technology plays a crucial role in the Social Lab’s mission.

It highlights the early and correct use of technology as a means to access resources like money, data, and information. The correct application of technology can make a significant difference, enabling individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Conversely, the Social Lab acknowledges that algorithms can have both positive and negative effects depending on their use case and handling.

It cautions that algorithms alone are neutral and not inherently good or bad but emphasizes the importance of responsible and ethical algorithmic practices.

Critically, the organization challenges the current business model adopted by social networks, particularly in terms of manipulating user behavior.

It points out that algorithms often have a better understanding of user wants than users themselves and that social network business models are designed to control user will and influence behavior. This insight raises important questions surrounding ethics and user autonomy in the age of social media.

The concept of the “zebra movement” has gained attention within the Social Lab.

It sees this movement, which acts as a counterweight to Silicon Valley unicorns, as an interesting paradigm shift. The zebra movement advocates for a more ethical and sustainable approach to business growth, encouraging a focus on social impact alongside financial success.

Lastly, the Social Lab encourages individuals to utilize their talents for smaller projects and altruistic endeavors.

It advocates for a lean methodology approach, which emphasizes failing fast and failing cheap. The belief is that through dedicated effort, individuals can build meaningful ideas from scratch and make a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, the Social Lab is a dynamic and innovative platform that seeks to connect talented individuals with resources and opportunities.

It places a strong emphasis on triple impact solutions that are economically sustainable and actively works towards overcoming inequalities in access to opportunity. By promoting responsible technology use, challenging prevailing business models, and encouraging individual efforts, the Social Lab is driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.

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The United Nations and the World Summit Awards (WSA) are both committed to bridging the digital divide and promoting local solutions. They recognise the potential of technology and innovation to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The panels discussed various topics, including the importance of active participation and community involvement in turning the United Nations’ targets on the information society and SDGs into action.

They emphasised the need for local solutions as alternatives to system upheaval, seeing individuals as potential agents of change.

The World Summit Awards (WSA) highlighted the importance of promoting examples of local solutions that bridge digital divides. They have identified 1679 winning solutions from over 180 member states in the past 20 years.

The focus of their work is on addressing accessibility gaps, gender gaps, climate issues, and exploring different ways of enhancing participation in governments.

The speakers also discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by social media. While it was acknowledged that technological overpowering can be environmentally challenging, the potential of leveraging social media platforms for projects and influence was highlighted.

Gloria Mangi, the founder of the African Queens Project, shared her experience of starting a project with a website but acknowledged the limitations in reach due to the technology access divide. The moderator emphasised the need to strategise and become influencers on social media platforms.

In terms of credit history and data, it was recognised that lacking access to data can lead to exclusion from the benefits of credit history.

The significance of data configuration for artificial intelligence was also acknowledged, with the recognition that special skills are required for efficient data configuration.

The speakers also explored the role of microfinancing and loans in reducing inequalities. The importance of combining technology with human relationships and building local networks for risk management in loans was emphasised.

The audience appreciated the examples of Innova Global Health operationalising the concept of “wellness on wheels” in Gambia and the development of an app in South Sudan for collecting information on cattle rustling.

The concept of the zebra movement was introduced as a new growth model.

Contrasting the Silicon Valley unicorns, the zebra movement is a feminist approach to utilising social innovation narratives for scaling. The need to change microeconomics for individuals with entrepreneurial engagement, vision, and drive but lack financial resources was also discussed.

Overall, the speakers emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and implementing successful models to create meaningful impact.

They encouraged active participation and supported the idea of social franchising to share successful models between countries. The speakers recognised the power of technology and innovation, especially in addressing local problems and reducing inequalities. The importance of inclusion, connectivity, and leveraging technology to bridge digital divides and promote sustainable development was highlighted throughout the discussions.

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After a meticulous analysis of the discussion, it has been determined that the speakers on the floor should be awarded the last points. This decision is based on several crucial factors, arguments, and evidence presented during the discourse.

First and foremost, the speakers on the floor displayed a thorough comprehension of the subject matter.

Their arguments were extensively researched and supported by reliable sources, establishing a strong foundation for their viewpoints. Additionally, their ability to effectively articulate their thoughts and partake in meaningful debates showcased their expertise and knowledge on the topic.

Furthermore, the speakers on the floor offered a broader range of perspectives compared to other participants.

They brought forth unique insights and alternative viewpoints that greatly enriched the overall discussion. Their contributions served to expand the scope of the conversation and encouraged critical thinking among the audience.

Moreover, the speakers on the floor consistently employed sound reasoning and logical arguments.

They utilized persuasive techniques, such as providing examples, citing relevant statistics, and appealing to emotions, which bolstered the overall impact of their points. Their capability to convince and engage the audience demonstrated their effectiveness in conveying their message.

In conclusion, after thoroughly considering all the major points, arguments, and evidence presented, it is clear that the speakers on the floor deserve to be awarded the last points.

Their complete understanding of the subject matter, diverse range of perspectives, and persuasive communication skills set them apart from other participants. By granting them the last points, their valuable contributions to the discussion are acknowledged, and their expertise in the subject matter is recognized.

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The conference featured discussions on various aspects of digital technology and its impact on society. The speakers highlighted the negative consequences of widespread digital adoption. While digital technology was initially seen as environmentally friendly and efficient, it has contributed to havoc in society, environmental challenges, and an over-dependency on technology.

This sentiment was reinforced by the argument that the biggest challenge to digital in the last 20 years is determining its real relevance, whether it has social implications or not.

On the other hand, the importance of recognizing and adopting great work done in addressing digital challenges was also emphasized.

The World Summit Award was highlighted as a platform that identifies individuals and projects making substantial contributions in this regard. The goal is to promote the adoption of these projects and support their ongoing efforts. This recognition aims to encourage responsible consumption and production, as well as decent work and economic growth, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 8.

India, being a major player in the IT industry, was a focal point of the discussion.

It was noted that India embodies the complex issues of digital disparity. On the one hand, the country exports a significant amount of IT services, indicating its proficiency in the field. However, it also faces a high number of citizens living in poverty and lacking access to digital technologies.

This digital divide underlines the need for addressing inequalities as per Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 10.

Frugal technology and communication systems were identified as positive solutions in promoting innovation and infrastructure. The adaptation of these systems allows for cost-effective approaches to digital advancements.

The speakers acknowledged that such frugal technology and communication systems have the potential to bridge the digital divide and bring connectivity to remote areas. This aligns with the goals set by Sustainable Development Goal 9.

Furthermore, it was observed that the World Summit Award holds a database of thousands of digital innovations.

These innovations can be adopted, contributed to, and critiqued, allowing for collaboration and the exchange of ideas globally. The potential influence of this database in shaping and adapting digital innovations worldwide was highlighted, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasises partnerships for sustainable development.

In conclusion, the discussions at the conference shed light on the positive and negative aspects of digital technology adoption.

While there are challenges and consequences associated with its widespread use, there is also significant potential for recognising and adopting great work and innovations that address these challenges. The importance of tackling digital disparities, such as in the case of India, was underscored.

Additionally, the role of frugal technology, communication systems, and collaboration through platforms like the World Summit Award was emphasised in achieving sustainable development goals.

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Poncelet Ileleji is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish innovation pods in African public universities. These innovation pods aim to foster a culture of innovation among faculty and students. Currently, 13 innovation pods are being set up in public universities across the continent.

An interesting example of this initiative is Poncelet Ileleji working from Juba in South Sudan.

In another development related to technology and innovation in Africa, South Sudan has created and tested an app that gathers information on cattle rustling, a significant source of conflict in the country.

The app utilises OpenStreet Maps and ODKI and is expected to be launched soon. The app’s development and testing were carried out by students, showcasing their talent and creativity in finding practical solutions to ongoing issues.

Furthermore, there is general support for the use of technological innovations to address practical problems in African countries.

One notable example is the “wellness on wheels” initiative in Gambia. This initiative allows Gambians living abroad to ensure that their families at home receive the necessary medication for their health and well-being. It highlights how technology can bridge gaps in healthcare access and provide a convenient solution for families separated by distance.

Overall, the efforts to establish innovation pods, create apps for conflict resolution, and promote technological innovations to solve practical problems in Africa demonstrate a positive outlook towards leveraging technology for development.

These initiatives not only empower local communities with innovation and creativity but also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It is encouraging to witness such positive developments and the potential they hold for the advancement of Africa.

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The discussion centres on the crucial need for financing options for micro entrepreneurs in the informal sector. Micro entrepreneurs often lack the traditional requirements for financing, such as collateral and credit histories. To address this gap, Alloy, a technology provider, offers a solution by providing real-time monitoring and increasing digital data for its users.

This enables lenders to establish trust and reduces the barriers faced by micro entrepreneurs in accessing loans.

The digital divide in financing is identified as primarily being a divide of data. Access to loans is increasingly dependent on data, and those without access to data or with a lack of historical data face increased difficulty in obtaining loans.

This highlights the significance of bridging the gap in data accessibility to promote financial inclusion and reduce inequalities.

Risk management in loans is a significant concern, and Alloy addresses this through the use of technology and human relationships.

Their technology enables real-time monitoring of loan usage, providing valuable insights to lenders. Additionally, human relationships are leveraged through networking to monitor loans at the grassroots level, ensuring better risk management practices.

While technology plays a crucial role, it is acknowledged that it alone is not sufficient.

Building local networks, such as entrepreneurship organizations and cooperatives, is vital for effective loan management. These local networks provide support and assistance to micro entrepreneurs at a grassroots level, further enhancing the overall loan management process.

In addition to addressing immediate financing needs, the discussions highlight the importance of changing narratives around social innovations.

It is argued that wider spread models for social innovation are essential to help individuals make informed decisions and avoid mistakes in their growth journey. The emphasis is on creating new, future-oriented models instead of relying on outdated growth models.

Overall, the discussions shed light on the various aspects surrounding financing for micro entrepreneurs in the informal sector.

Alloy’s technology-driven solution, combined with the establishment of local networks and the evolution of narratives around social innovations, hold the potential to promote inclusive growth and economic empowerment for micro entrepreneurs.