IEEE Internet Policy Newsletter - December 2018

ISSUE 12 | DECEMBER 2018

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

With the IEEE Internet Initiative completing its work as a special initiative of the IEEE Board of Directors at the end of this year, this will be the final issue of the IEEE Internet Policy Newsletter. I would like to convey a special thank you to the newsletter editorial team and the many contributing authors who—over the past two and a half years and 12 issues—have shared their perspectives on timely topics related to technical, policy, social, and governance aspects of the internet and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) advancements around the world. From data protection and privacy to blockchain and universal access to the internet, 46 published articles now comprise an impressive archive for referencing and sharing.

While December 2018 is the final issue of the newsletter, interested authors and readers are encouraged to explore the Technology Policy and Ethics IEEE Future Directions Newsletter, which covers these and other similar topics. IEEE Future Directions considers the reflection of technology through the lens of social implications a key tenet of their work as they incubate and promote technologies. They seek short article submissions of original content (800-1200 words) on the social implications of technology, including but not limited to policy and ethics topics. Authors interested in contributing articles should email FDPolicyEthics@ieee.org.

— Ali Kashif Bashir, IEEE Internet Policy Newsletter Editor-in-Chief


Internet Policy in the Age of Machine Learning

By Nishanth Sastry and Mischa Dohler

The Internet was built on a philosophy of simplicity. This set the base for the growth of the Internet, as a network of networks operated by mutually independent domains with potentially different underlying technologies, that enter into a business relationship with each other to provide mutual interconnection to each other’s networks, and beyond.


Policy Elements of Decision-making Algorithms

Algorithms for Making Decisions

By Garrick Villaume

Algorithms are finite sequences of specific operations used for solving a particular instance or class of problem. Typically, they are designed to solve problems expressed mathematically using some symbolic encoding to represent objects, events, conditions, and parameters. As realized in contemporary computers, algorithms are formed as a reproducible series of arithmetic and logic operations to be performed on alphanumeric data to answer specific questions. The types of questions that can be answered and the characteristics of algorithms for solving different classes of problems are the focus of computing theory and form the basis of computer science.


Incomplete and Complete Data Processing on the Internet

By Syamantak Saha

Internet provides a vast amount of data that can be used to gather information. However, it is important to effectively retrieve the data that is required without unnecessary distractions or confusions by introduction of unwanted results. The data domain, collection methods etc., determines whether the input data is complete or incomplete. Appropriate processing of the data can then be undertaken as per data engineering principles. Inappropriate processing can cause data hazards where there is a mismatch between input values and the expected or obtained results. Here it is important to note the differences between complete and incomplete datasets, so that appropriate processing can be undertaken.


Measuring Internet Censorship in Nigeria

Evidence of Internet Policy Advocacy in Africa

By Babatunde Okunoye, Maria Xynou, Leonid Evdokimov, Sodiq Alabi, and Chukwuzitere Okoli

Over the past decade, Africa has witnessed increased government censorship of the internet, including internet shutdowns, social media app shutdowns and website blockages. Advocates against internet censorship in Africa are often hindered in their advocacy work by a lack of technical evidence during incidents of censorship. This need for technical evidence potentially opens the door for collaboration between scientists, engineers, and human rights defenders .




Article Contributions Welcomed

If you wish to have an internet policy related article considered for publication, please contact the Managing Editor of Technology Policy and Ethics IEEE Future Directions Newsletter.

View Editorial Guidelines


Past Issues

December 2018

September 2018

June 2018

March 2018

November 2017

September 2017

July 2017

May 2017

March 2017

January 2017

November 2016

September 2016


IEEE Internet Policy Newsletter Editorial Board

Dr. Ali Kashif Bashir, Interim Editor-in- Chief
Dr. Syed Hassan Ahmed
Dr. Mudassar Ahmad
Dr. Onur Alparslan
Dr. Muhammad Bilal
Dr. Syed Ahmad Chan Bukhari
Dr. Ankur Chattopadhyay
Dr. Junaid Chaudhry
Dr. Waleed Ejaz
Dr. Yasir Faheem
Dr. Prasun Ghosal
Dr. Tahir Hameed
Dr. Y. Sinan Hanay
Dr. Shagufta Henna
Dr. Fatima Hussain
Dr. Rasheed Hussain
Dr. Saman Iftikhar
Dr. Stephan Jones
Dr. Mohammad Saud Khan
Olga Kiconco
Dr. Jay Ramesh Merja
Dr. Mubashir Husain Rehmani
Dr. Hafiz Maher Ali Zeeshan


About: This newsletter features technical, policy, social, governmental, but not political commentary related to the internet. Its contents reflect the viewpoints of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions and views of IEEE. It is published by the IEEE Internet Initiative to enhance knowledge and promote discussion of the issues addressed.