Latest news with #InternetSociety
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Beekeepers in rural Zimbabwe embrace technology to unlock progress
Fadziso Mudzingwa sighed in frustration. It was June 2024, the middle of winter in Zimbabwe, and the low temperatures were killing her bees. She was tired, too—she'd spent the day trekking between her home and her hives in the forest, checking them frequently in the hope of saving both the colonies and her barely profitable honey business. Despite her protective gear, Fadziso had been stung twice, and she was falling behind in her other tasks. The sun was setting, and her children were waiting for dinner. She didn't know it yet, but everything was about to change for the better. She was about to take part in a pilot project in her hometown, Marondera, led by the Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter, learning to monitor hive conditions remotely and in real time using a mobile app connected to smart sensors. This technology would truly make a difference—one year later, Fadziso's work is much easier and her hives are thriving, as is her business. While she sold just 50 liters of honey in 2024, before the project began, she has already produced 130 liters in the first half of 2025. An Industry in Need of Solutions Beekeeping can be profitable in Zimbabwe, especially as people commonly use honey and other apiary products—beeswax, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly—for medicinal purposes. The industry is also a positive force for the environment, acting as a catalyst for forest renewal and biodiversity conservation through plant pollination. Yet things weren't always positive for Marondera beekeepers, most of whom faced challenges similar to Fadziso's. Chamunorwa Rupiya also struggled to juggle multiple responsibilities. 'As the owner of a tuck shop, I needed to pay someone to fill in for me while I was away inspecting my hives,' he said. Many struggled to find time to sell products. 'I spent most of my days tending to my bees,' said John Chivamba. 'I worried about them constantly. Then, when I had the chance, I would go and sell honey on the road leading to Harare.' And when poor conditions or predators harmed their colonies, the resulting drop in yields meant greater financial hardship for beekeepers. Monitoring Beehives Remotely In late 2024, the Zimbabwe Chapter launched a project designed to solve these challenges and safeguard the beekeepers' livelihoods as well as the community's food security. Partnering with Shift Organic Technologies and the Harare Institute of Technology, they developed an Internet of Things (IoT) solution comprising hive sensors and a user-friendly mobile app. Beekeepers can use this app to check factors such as temperature, humidity, and bee activity at a glance, from anywhere, without having to open up their hives or disturb the bees. The data collected can also predict potential health issues and environmental changes, enabling farmers to take proactive measures. This project, called IoT for Apiary Analytics, included training for the beekeepers. The 20 initial participants not only learned to use the technology but also received instruction in advanced techniques, such as protecting hives from winter temperatures. 'The trainers taught us which flowers to plant around our hives so our bees can always get their favorite pollen,' said Fadziso. 'We also learned to set up water points to maintain the hives' natural humidity.' Technology Changes the Game Being able to monitor their hives remotely has revolutionized beekeeping for Fadziso, Chamunorwa, and John. 'Now, instead of hiking into the forest first thing every morning, I simply look at my phone for hive updates,' said Fadziso. 'I can check on them in minutes, not hours, so I have more time for my children, household chores, and developing new products like floor wax.' This IoT solution has been a game changer! I can now keep an eye on my bees while selling honey on the road. I make more money and enjoy peace of mind.' John Chivamba Meanwhile, Chamunorwa saves money by relying on hired help less often, since he can manage his hives from his shop. The project has yielded undeniable improvements in bee health and hive productivity. 'My production has risen 30 percent and the wax quality is better too,' said Fadziso. Chamunorwa has seen similar improvements, noting that his colonies have grown since the installation of the devices. Benefits for the Whole Community This solution's arrival has been transformative for the entire Marondera community. 'Local markets now resell our honey, since people have seen that it's pure, not mixed with brown sugar,' said Fadziso. 'This is vital when people take honey as medicine.' This improvement in honey quality has also attracted out-of-town bulk buyers, leading to higher sales for everyone. And with their additional income, the beekeepers can more easily pay their children's school fees, an advantage for the community over time. 'Seeing what we've achieved, our neighbors are becoming curious about beekeeping and technology in general,' Fadziso said. She has shared her experience at public events organized by the project leaders. This remote-sensing technology's benefits are clear, demonstrating the potential of technology in agriculture. 'Joining in this project has opened my eyes to new things,' said John. 'Today, I'm constantly advising people to learn about technology.' Charting the Path Forward Looking to the future, the beekeepers plan to invest their extra earnings in more sensors to expand their businesses. 'My new aim is to sell in major cities, like Harare and Bulawayo, and even to export my honey!' Fadziso said with a smile. They hope to see further tech innovations in areas such as pest management and honey harvesting. Learning to build the IoT sensors locally to bring down their cost is another goal. All agree that embracing technology has been life-changing. Being part of this project means a lot to me. It's empowered me to take control of my work and improve my family's quality of life.'
Korea Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
What Holds the Internet Together and Why It's Now at Risk
A new report from ICANN and the Internet Society details how the Internet Governance Forum has supported a stable and secure Internet—and why that model is now under strain. PRAGUE, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As global discussions intensify around the future of Internet governance, two of the Internet's long-standing technical institutions—the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC)—are urging renewed focus on what has kept the Internet open and operational for more than two decades: collaborative coordination across borders and sectors. Released today, the joint report Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum illustrates how cooperation among governments, engineers, civil society, and businesses has helped maintain a single, secure, and globally accessible Internet. The report draws from a range of technical, policy, and infrastructure outcomes that have emerged through the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its broader network. "The Internet didn't stay unified by chance. Its resilience is the result of people and institutions working across borders and sectors," said Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO. "This report underscores that the Internet's success is not accidental; it's coordinated. If we value a single, secure, and interoperable Internet, then we must recommit to the model that made it possible." "For twenty years, the IGF has shown that multistakeholder governance delivers," said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society. "Its footprint spans infrastructure, security, access, and policy—often in places where conventional governance falls short. But the gains we've made are only as strong as our commitment to keep investing in them." Key Findings A Pivotal Moment The report is being launched ahead of the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a milestone that is expected to influence how global digital cooperation evolves in the coming decade. Against this backdrop, ICANN and ISOC are calling for renewed attention to the institutions and frameworks that have supported a unified, secure, and open Internet. Rather than offering abstract conclusions, the report is structured around practical and globally sourced examples. It aims to inform current debates by showing what has worked and what could be at risk if support for distributed, collaborative governance falters. Download the full report. About ICANN ICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world. For more information, please visit: About the Internet Society Founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global non-profit organization working to ensure the Internet is for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 130+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. For more information, please visit:
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What Holds the Internet Together and Why It's Now at Risk
A new report from ICANN and the Internet Society details how the Internet Governance Forum has supported a stable and secure Internet—and why that model is now under strain. PRAGUE, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- As global discussions intensify around the future of Internet governance, two of the Internet's long-standing technical institutions—the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC)—are urging renewed focus on what has kept the Internet open and operational for more than two decades: collaborative coordination across borders and sectors. Released today, the joint report Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum illustrates how cooperation among governments, engineers, civil society, and businesses has helped maintain a single, secure, and globally accessible Internet. The report draws from a range of technical, policy, and infrastructure outcomes that have emerged through the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its broader network. "The Internet didn't stay unified by chance. Its resilience is the result of people and institutions working across borders and sectors," said Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO. "This report underscores that the Internet's success is not accidental; it's coordinated. If we value a single, secure, and interoperable Internet, then we must recommit to the model that made it possible." "For twenty years, the IGF has shown that multistakeholder governance delivers," said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society. "Its footprint spans infrastructure, security, access, and policy—often in places where conventional governance falls short. But the gains we've made are only as strong as our commitment to keep investing in them." Key Findings Infrastructure ImpactInternet Exchange Points (IXPs), which allow local Internet traffic to be exchanged more efficiently, more than doubled in Africa over the past decade. This growth has reduced latency, improved service quality, and cut operational costs for providers. Global ReachMore than 4.4 million domain names are now registered in non-Latin scripts, significantly expanding digital access for communities using Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, and other scripts. Universal Acceptance Day 2025 was marked by over 50 international events promoting full linguistic functionality across the Internet ecosystem. Internet Security at ScaleToday, 93 percent of top-level domains are protected using Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), a protocol that helps prevent DNS-based cyberattacks by verifying data authenticity. In parallel, more than 1,000 networks around the world have adopted the Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS), an initiative that promotes responsible routing practices and mitigates systemic vulnerabilities. Policy EngagementOver 180 National and Regional Internet Governance Forums (NRIs) are active worldwide. Youth IGFs have brought new perspectives into national and international policy dialogues, while the IGF Parliamentary Track has helped shape legislative thinking on digital trust, rights, and inclusion. A Pivotal MomentThe report is being launched ahead of the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a milestone that is expected to influence how global digital cooperation evolves in the coming decade. Against this backdrop, ICANN and ISOC are calling for renewed attention to the institutions and frameworks that have supported a unified, secure, and open Internet. Rather than offering abstract conclusions, the report is structured around practical and globally sourced examples. It aims to inform current debates by showing what has worked and what could be at risk if support for distributed, collaborative governance falters. Download the full report. About ICANNICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world. For more information, please visit: About the Internet SocietyFounded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global non-profit organization working to ensure the Internet is for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 130+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. For more information, please visit: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ICANN View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
What Holds the Internet Together and Why It's Now at Risk
A new report from ICANN and the Internet Society details how the Internet Governance Forum has supported a stable and secure Internet—and why that model is now under strain. PRAGUE, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- As global discussions intensify around the future of Internet governance, two of the Internet's long-standing technical institutions—the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC)—are urging renewed focus on what has kept the Internet open and operational for more than two decades: collaborative coordination across borders and sectors. Released today, the joint report Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum illustrates how cooperation among governments, engineers, civil society, and businesses has helped maintain a single, secure, and globally accessible Internet. The report draws from a range of technical, policy, and infrastructure outcomes that have emerged through the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its broader network. "The Internet didn't stay unified by chance. Its resilience is the result of people and institutions working across borders and sectors," said Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO. "This report underscores that the Internet's success is not accidental; it's coordinated. If we value a single, secure, and interoperable Internet, then we must recommit to the model that made it possible." "For twenty years, the IGF has shown that multistakeholder governance delivers," said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society. "Its footprint spans infrastructure, security, access, and policy—often in places where conventional governance falls short. But the gains we've made are only as strong as our commitment to keep investing in them." Key Findings Infrastructure Impact Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), which allow local Internet traffic to be exchanged more efficiently, more than doubled in Africa over the past decade. This growth has reduced latency, improved service quality, and cut operational costs for providers. Global Reach More than 4.4 million domain names are now registered in non-Latin scripts, significantly expanding digital access for communities using Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, and other scripts. Universal Acceptance Day 2025 was marked by over 50 international events promoting full linguistic functionality across the Internet ecosystem. Internet Security at Scale Today, 93 percent of top-level domains are protected using Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), a protocol that helps prevent DNS-based cyberattacks by verifying data authenticity. In parallel, more than 1,000 networks around the world have adopted the Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS), an initiative that promotes responsible routing practices and mitigates systemic vulnerabilities. Policy Engagement Over 180 National and Regional Internet Governance Forums (NRIs) are active worldwide. Youth IGFs have brought new perspectives into national and international policy dialogues, while the IGF Parliamentary Track has helped shape legislative thinking on digital trust, rights, and inclusion. A Pivotal Moment The report is being launched ahead of the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a milestone that is expected to influence how global digital cooperation evolves in the coming decade. Against this backdrop, ICANN and ISOC are calling for renewed attention to the institutions and frameworks that have supported a unified, secure, and open Internet. Rather than offering abstract conclusions, the report is structured around practical and globally sourced examples. It aims to inform current debates by showing what has worked and what could be at risk if support for distributed, collaborative governance falters. Download the full report. About ICANN ICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world. For more information, please visit: About the Internet Society Founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global non-profit organization working to ensure the Internet is for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 130+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. For more information, please visit:
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Benin and Senegal Experience Highest Growth in African Internet Resilience: Internet Society Pulse Country Report 2024
According to new data released by the Internet Society, West African countries are making notable strides in digital development, with several countries in the region improving their Internet resilience. This progress underscores the region's growing commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure, security, and market readiness, ensuring more stable and accessible online services for millions. The Internet Society's Pulse Internet Resilience Index —which tracks key indicators such as infrastructure, performance, security, and market preparedness—reveals that West Africa's overall Internet resilience score has climbed to 34%, marking a two-percentage-point increase between 2022 and 2023. This upward trend translates into more reliable access to essential online services, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, reinforcing the Internet's role as a key driver of development across the region. Benin (39%) and Senegal (36%) secured impressive six- and ten-point increases between 2022 and 2023, the highest increases among African countries. This moved them into the second and fifth positions in West Africa. 'Senegal has changed remarkably over the last few years,' commented Ahmath Bamba Mbacke, President of Internet Society Senegal Chapter. 'Over 60% of the population has access to the Internet, and at least 96% of Internet users have access to at least one device with 4G mobile Internet. 20% of users in Senegal can access online resources using IPv6, which is far above the average 7% for Africa. There are concerted efforts to improve upstream diversity to ensure that our in-country infrastructure can recover from unexpected events with the help of SENIX (Senegalese IXP) and keep our Internet stable and secure in the face of adversity.' 'There has been a marked effort to improve Internet infrastructure in Benin,' says Malick Alassane, Chair of Internet Society Benin Chapter. 'Strong foundations have been laid to continue improving Internet access, security, performance, and market readiness across the country to ensure that more people can take advantage of the social and economic benefits that strong, resilient, and stable Internet brings to the country and West Africa as a whole. The development of this environment and trusted infrastructures in our country has led, for example, to the emergence of new e-service platforms, now accessible in just one click, making life easier for citizens and businesses.' Côte d'Ivoire continues to have the highest IRI score in the region (42%) and the sixth highest in Africa. Although it didn't experience any growth between 2022 and 2023, its score has increased by 12 points since 2019. Benin, Burkina Faso (38%), Nigeria (38%), Senegal (36%), and Ghana (36%) round out the top six countries in West Africa. Niger (27%) was the only country in the region to experience a decrease in its Internet Resilience Index score for the past 12 months. As the individual Pulse Country Reports show, these changes are driven by multiple factors, including investment in Internet infrastructure and security, increased usage of IPv6, enabling policies, and growing collaboration among governments, technology providers, and local communities. An equally contributing factor is how much popular content is accessed through in-country servers and caches. Currently, Ghana has the highest percentage of the 1,000 most popular websites that its Internet users access locally (58%), followed by Togo (46%) and Nigeria (38%). Benin, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Sierra Leone access between 96-100% of all their most popular content from outside the region. The Internet Society is working with local partners in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger to increase this locally cached content figure to 50% by the end of 2025. 'Hosting popular content and local digital services within countries and regions is a cost-effective way to improve Internet performance and resilience,' says Michuki Mwangi, Internet Society Distinguished Technologist for Internet Growth. 'Importantly, the cost savings from not having to pay to access the content via international connections can be reinvested to improve the network or passed on to Internet users.' Data centres and Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) help in this effort as they help store content closer to end users and create shorter, more direct routes for Internet traffic instead of sending and receiving it via expensive international links. IXPs are Internet intersections, where networks connect locally to exchange traffic and help make the Internet faster and more affordable. Copyright © 2022 - All materials can be used freely, indicating the origin Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
