The internet has been both beneficial and detrimental as uncensored information are being released on daily basis. The issue of misinterpretation and false information is now becoming common.
To regulate the media, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has commenced the mandatory registration of online media platforms and influencers operating in the country, according to reports.
With this recent improvement, online publishers are required to acquire licenses that permit them to carry out their communication and commercial services online by registering with the UCC.
Quoting Ibrahim Bbossa, the head of public relations UCC;
“Online publishers and influencers who have reached a capacity of sharing communication content and also using the online publication for commercial business are required to register with the regulator that is UCC.”All online data communication service providers including online polishers, online news platforms, online radio and television operators are required to pay an amount of $20 for registration. So far, over forty online publishers have registered and received licenses to operate.
With the growing entity of online publishers, we realized it was important to register these individuals so as they are mindful of the law and regulations as they publish their content to the public.”
As UCC, it is upon us to put into implementation these laws so that just in case of any problems that arise we are able to come up with resolutions.
Online publication can lead to circumstances like inciting the public, misinformation and at times theft cases arise.”
The publishers are expected to abide by the terms and conditions to be mindful of public morality and avoid promoting the culture of violence among the public.
Bbossa also said,
“Looking at the example of Egypt that registers online publishers who have more than 50,000 followers, as for UCC, we took a different strategy from them as we are considering registering online publishers who use the online space for communication services, broadcasting services and communication content.”Bbossa said that their job as UCC is to let online publishers know that they are ambit.
Uganda Is Not The Only African Country With Restrictive Online Policies
The country’s Supreme Council for Media Regulations was authorised to start blocking/suspending any accounts that “publishes or broadcasts fake news or anything [information] inciting violating the law, violence or hatred.”
In April 2018, Tanzanian government issued an order mandating all bloggers in the country to register in the country with a $900 licence fee. The bloggers were given a one-month deadline and failure to pay might attract a $2,200 fine or a minimum 12-month jail term, or both.
Seems Zambian government was impressed at the Tanzanian government as they also announced a $0.03 daily charge on internet telephone calls using services like WhatsApp and Skype. Critics believed the government's decision was political and designed to block freedom of speech. However, the government said the charge was “purely economic” and meant to protect telecom companies.
The Rwandan government is also considering placing restrictions on the use of social media. The country’s minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire informed parliament that she had started talks with “social media platforms” to develop approaches with which to control social media content. Rwanda says the plan is to stop the sharing of “misinformation”;
“We need to regulate content posted on social media so that we create a safe space for all citizens,”Ingabire told parliament.
According to an information published by Konbini.com, the Nigerian government is intolerant of opposing views on the social media and is quite amenable to using the 'law' selectively to silence it.
The Nigerian tribune further added that the FG has begun a secret move that will see a number of online newspapers, blogs and websites perceived to constitute "threat to national security" permanently shut down.
Are the African governments using the term 'misinformation' to justify restrictions on the social media usage? Is it right to charge citizens for using Facebook? Kindly drop your comments and don't forget to share.
Also check out these 7 amazing benefits of the social media to small businesses.
We give you the best daily information on news, technology, lifestyle, career, health tips, agriculture, business and entertainment. If you can write very well and want to make a living writing online, click HERE!