The Tanzanian government gave a period of five days bloggers e y request a license, which could cost $ 920, under threat of legal action, a country that since Monday prohibits any publication without a license.
Semu Mwakiyanjala, spokesman for the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), explained to Efe that all online content providers that had not purchased the license are prohibited from publishing anything since yesterday.
Tariffs will apply to all internet forums, blogs, online radio stations and audiovisual content creators.
“The registration process is still active. So far, we have registered 45 online content providers and we are in the final stages of registering another six that have completed all the requirements contemplated in the regulation, ”said Semu.
Although the activists say the measure leads Tanzania to return 50 years ago, the rationale of the TCRA is that the government does not seek to take action against content providers but legally recognize its work.
The rule is endorsed by the Tanzanian court, which finally ruled in favor of the government after several human rights associations and media outlets appealed against its application.
With 52 millions of people, 44,2% have access to the internet and are active in social networks.
