Chiloba Moves to Regulate Online Streaming Services 

Former Communications Authority of Keya (CA) Director General Ezra Chiloba,.jpg
Former Communications Authority of Keya (CA) Director General Ezra Chiloba,.jpg
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Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has kickstarted plans to regulate online streaming services in the country.

In a tender notice published on September 1, CA director general Ezra Chiloba invited research agencies to carry out a study on online streaming services in Kenya. 

One of the mandates outlined for the study will be examining the extent of the use of online streaming services in relation to traditional service providers.

"CA plans to undertake a study to determine the regulatory mechanisms that can be employed to cater for new emerging areas with a specific focus on Over-The-Top (OTTs) including online streaming services.

File image of a phone user perusing a gadget.
File image of a phone user perusing a gadget.
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"The Authority seeks to examine the interaction between the markets in which OTTs including online streaming service providers and traditional licensed service providers operate in Kenya and to evaluate the impact of these services within the telecommunications, broadcasting and postal/courier/e-commerce sub-sectors," read the tender notice in part. 

Some of the areas set to be focused on include the privacy of Kenyans who stream content on online platforms and the issues regarding data privacy.

"The study will examine and review the impact OTTs have on customers in regard to the quality of services, lack of directory services and emergency services and the cost of access and challenges in accessing online streaming services," read the tender notice in part.

CA stated that the final report on the study would be submitted in April 2023.

The authority will rely on the recommendations of the study to draft regulations for the streaming services that have become common given the advancement of the technology and internet.

Online streaming services have increased in the country in recent years, with companies launching platforms where online users can access music, movies and sports on some of the platforms.

The move by the CA comes months after the government blocked over 44 streaming sites accused of pirating content.

In particular, the move targeted sports streaming sites which copyright owners wanted to be blocked. 

TV sets in a supermarket
TV sets in a supermarket
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