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The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) have initiated a major crackdown targeting copyright infringement.
This initiative, announced by KECOBO Executive Director George Nyakweba, comes in response to numerous complaints regarding the unauthorized distribution of various works on platforms including Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Recent investigations conducted by KECOBO have uncovered the existence of numerous social media groups devoted entirely to the illicit sharing of e-newspapers, television shows, films, and pirated subscription codes.
Authorities have expressed particular concern over the rampant dissemination of unauthorized digital copies of books and illegal live streaming of sports broadcasts. These actions not only violate copyright laws but also compromise the personal data and privacy of unknowing Kenyan users. Nyakweba stresses that evading technological protections intended to safeguard copyrighted content is a form of copyright infringement, with potential consequences for violators.
Penalties may include fines of up to Sh500,000, imprisonment for a maximum of four years, or both. KECOBO and the CA are collaborating with social media platforms to investigate these infringements and are prepared to take legal action against the operators of offending accounts. The agencies have informed the public of the ongoing crackdown and are urging collective adherence to intellectual property rights to avoid legal consequences.
This initiative highlights the critical role that copyright laws play in Kenya, providing essential protection for original works across various domains, including literature, music, drama, and other intellectual creations. The crackdown aims to reinforce the value of intellectual property and protect the rights of content creators in the digital era.