The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has announced a crackdown on social media and online platforms following a surge in cases of pirated content.
In a statement dated Friday, January 31, KECOBO raised concerns over social media groups created to facilitate the illegal sharing of copyrighted materials, including e-newspapers, TV content, books, and illegal football streams.
“This is to inform the public that these acts constitute an infringement under the Copyright Act, particularly the exclusive right of making available, offering for sale, and renting infringing copyrighted works,” the statement read in part.
The board further warned that individuals found guilty of such offenses face penalties under the Copyright Act, including a fine of up to Ksh500,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding four years, or both.
KECOBO noted that the crackdown is being conducted in collaboration with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) and includes working closely with social media platforms to shut down infringing accounts and take legal action against those responsible.
“In conjunction with the Communication Authority of Kenya, KECOBO has commenced investigations into these incidents with a view to shutting down infringing social media accounts and pursuing legal action against their owners. Copyright infringement attracts both criminal and civil liability for those found culpable,” the statement added.
The board also urged the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of individuals involved in online piracy.
“KECOBO welcomes any information that may assist in the arrest of piracy perpetrators via social media. You can reach us through our hotline number 0703885033 or email [email protected],” the statement concluded.
