Tanzania’s government has enacted a law that will regulate content posted online, introducing fees for bloggers and online media in addition to policing morals and authenticity of social media users.
The regulation known as the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations 2018, was initially published by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and came into effect during March 2018
With the new law, Tanzanians operating online radio stations and video (TV) websites, including bloggers will be required to apply for a licence, pay a licence fee upon registration as well as annual fees.
The new regulations also require all Tanzanians with mobile devices to have a password (PIN) for locking their phones, with offenders likely being fined up to 5 million Tanzanian Shillings (approximately $2,000) or 12 months imprisonment, or both depending in what the court decides.
Internet cafés and online platforms are also expected to install surveillance cameras to record and archive activities inside their business premises.
AFRICAN TIMES TAKE ON THIS NEW LAW IS THAT IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO BOOST THE COUNTRY'S INCOME.
AFRICAN TIMES TAKE ON THIS NEW LAW IS THAT IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO BOOST THE COUNTRY'S INCOME.
