INTERNET CRACKDOWN: Tanzania govt issues two weeks ultimatum to bloggers, internet users

The government of Tanzania is about to go hard on bloggers and internet users after it issued a two-week ultimatum to register their platforms under strict new online content rules.

Reports say many especially the country’s young population are worried by the ultimatum issued by the country’s communications regulator amid concerns that the government is cracking down on internet users.

“All online content providers are required to complete the application process before 5 May 2018,” the state-run Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) said in a statement posted on its website. The registration process was opened on Saturday.

Read also: CANADA: Driver ploughs into crowd, kills 10, injures 15

According to reports, applicants are required to provide details of shareholders, share capital, citizenship of owners, staff qualification and training programmes, and a tax clearance certificate before they are allowed to operate.

The move has been criticised by digital activists who say the decision was the latest salvo in a crackdown on dissent and free speech by the government of President John Magufuli, who was elected in 2015.

 

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