On 28 January 2025, the Electronic Postal Communications (Online Content) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (Amended Regulations) became operational. The Amended Regulations update the Electronic Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, 2020 (Regulations), with aim of enhancing the implementation of the Regulations.
Some of the key amendments include: new application requirements; obligations of internet service providers; obligations of social media platform owners; and additional prohibited content.
These changes are outlined below.
Definitions
The following definition was deleted: ‘Application Services Licensee’, which previously referred to a licensee of the Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) ‘in the category of application service licence limited to only the provision of online content or facilitation of online content producers’.
New application requirements
Initially, individuals intending to provide online content services were required to apply to the TCRA by completing the application form prescribed in the First Schedule (Application for Licence to Provide Online Content Services) and paying the fees set out in the Second Schedule (Online Content Services Fees) of the Regulations.
Following the deletion of the Second Schedule, these fees are no longer applicable. Consequently, individuals now intending to provide such services must apply to the TCRA using the application form prescribed in the First Schedule, as customised in the TCRA’s Licensing Management System Portal, and pay the fees prescribed under the Electronic and Postal Communications (Licensing) Regulations, 2018 (as amended).
Obligations of internet service providers and social media platform owners
The Amended Regulations introduce new obligations for internet service providers (ISPs) and social media platform owners to regulate online content in Tanzania. ISPs are required to prevent access to prohibited content, inform users of content restrictions, and avoid hosting such material. Social media platforms must implement mechanisms to filter and remove prohibited content. The amendments also redefine certain regulatory terms, update licensing requirements for online media service providers.
Prohibited content
Due to the increased use of artificial intelligence, the Amended Regulations introduced an additional subparagraph under the Schedule with regards to Prohibited Content (Sexuality and Decency). Within this addition, a prohibition of any unethical, fabricated and artificial intelligence generated content including video clips, audio and still pictures, is imposed. The additional provision has been made to combat the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence within the Tanzanian cyberspace.
--
Read the original publication at Bowmans
