It is no longer a secret that Uganda Communications Commission plans to register online publishers that commercialize their platforms. The central point of discussion has been the recently popular social media bloggers and influencers – who, according to UCC, need to account for the income they make out of the information they put out.
The interest has been long overdue, with the body already asking online data communication service providers including online publishers, online news platforms, online radio and television operators to apply and obtain authorisation from the commission with immediate effect as early as March last year.
What does UCC want?
The initial point was to ensure that every media platform uses their true identity. According to the commission’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Bbosa, the content passed over these platforms is a regulated aspect and there are individuals that own commercialized accounts that are being targeted.
“People who have commercialized either have a deliberate strategy or effort purposely to reach large audiences, and in the UCC Act when you are broadcasting, you need to know what the rules of the game are.”
Who is required to register?
UCC says it is not specific on bloggers, citing the media as hyping up the issue of social media bloggers and influencers. The body is focusing on data communicators regardless of the platform they are using.
As long as one has a commercial interest in generating information and disseminating it. This includes Facebook or YouTube, as long as it is of a commercial nature. Mr. Bbosa says they are not regulating persons but rather entities.
Is it compulsory?
The agenda for registration has been made voluntary and self-registration is open. However, Mr Bbosa says there are consequences to those that default. Additionally, he says that those that claim to be anonymous on the internet can be found out too with the advancement in technology.
