Kenya recently updated its policies on media and communications in a series of amendments. The new bill features outlines for online and offline media and their platforms, while also looking to curb cyber-crimes by implementing criteria set to increase faith in e-commerce, business and the other transactions.

Digital signatures and digital contracts are now recognised as legal certification for everything except wills and title deeds – emails are included in “the admissibility of electronic records in court proceedings if the conditions set therein are met”.

Other regulations include hacking, mobile phone software editing and new movie, TV and radio censorship protocols – not to mention new penalties for contravening Kenya’s already stern regulations.

Although the bill is not yet water-tight, the Kenyan government is toward new systems to “develop sound frameworks” and “foster the development of electronic commerce” – an interesting development by an African government.

What do you think of  your country’s involvement in the media? Should a government be concerned with prioritising censorship while still establishing a communications infrastructure? What do you consider legally admissible when it comes to digital media and communications?