Two weeks ago, it was reported that Tanzania had signed into law regulations that would govern social media use and blogging in the country. The Electronic and Postal Communications 2018 was signed into law and was in effect since March of this year and covered a variety of online based activities like blogging, Internet cafes, forums, online radio/TV, social media, subscribers of online content and online content hosts.
According to Reuters, Tanzania’s communications has issued a two week deadline for bloggers to register their platforms under the new rules.
“All online content providers are required to complete the application process before 5th May 2018,” Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority said in a statement. The registration process was opened on Saturday.
Under the first schedule of the Electronic and Postal Communications Regulations, 2018, you will see the application form which requires one to declare their particulars, names of shareholders, staff establishment and qualification, future plans, estimated cost of investment, tax clearance certifications and much more.
They are also required to pay an initial application fee of Tshs 100,000 ($44) plus an initial licence fee of Tshs 1,000,000 ($440) and renewal ees of Tshs 1,000,000 ($440). These type of licences will expire after three years. The charges are different for streaming TV and radio over the internet.
Bloggers have been given quite some time to comply with the new strict rules. Any person who contravenes the laws provided in the Regulations will be liable to a fine of not less than five million Tanzanian shillings ($2,200) or a prison sentence of a minimum of 12 months or both as stipulated under the new laws.
[…] Also in the region, Tanzania recently passed a law that required online creators like bloggers to be registered and pay for renewable licences and were given two weeks to comply. […]
This is truly sad…i wonder if they took time to research their idea and consider whether its sustainable considering blogging is a relatively new industry where the struggles are so real, not many can afford related costs for upkeep and benefits are evasive. The imposed license is likely to stiffle the industry.
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