Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Ezekiel Mutua plans to acquire state-of-the-art software and machines that will help the government in monitoring WhatsApp groups.
An inside source, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, disclosed that the state corporation will set up a new department whose members will report to Mutua on an hourly basis.
The 68 men and women who make up KFCB's new wing were flown to Russia on January 4, where they are currently undergoing specialized training. They are expected back in the country on Friday.
According to the source, their main role will be to sift through texts, photos, videos and voice notes that are shared on WhatsApp groups with the help of the cutting-edge technology.
Any content that is deemed as violent, inappropriate, unlawful or sexually explicit will be flagged immediately. The WhatsApp admin and sometimes even group members will be held accountable.
The plan to regulate WhatsApp groups is at an advanced stage. The only bit that is remaining is parliament's approval of the proposed penalties.
In the bill that will be brought before the National Assembly in two weeks, KFCB suggests that offenders should pay "a fine not exceeding Ksh 500,000 or be jailed for a term not exceeding 6 years."
A communications expert who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke in confidentiality explained that KFCB would have a difficult time controlling WhatsApp groups since it falls outside their jurisdiction.
"This will be a bit tricky. KFCB is tasked with regulating the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution, and exhibition of films by rating them. Monitoring WhatsApp groups is not within their mandate.
"There are also confidentiality concerns. Privacy is a right that is protected by the Constitution. KFCB would be breaking the law by spying on WhatsApp groups," he stated.
Ezekiel Mutua could not be reached for comment by the time of publishing this article.
It only remains to be seen whether KFCB will be successful with their plan and the reactions that it will elicit.
Disclaimer: Don't believe anything that you've read in this article. None of it is true, not even one bit. You've just been pranked! Happy April Fool's Day.
