Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in anti-fake news campaign

A new law in Kenya is the latest in East Africa to punish the spreading of “false information” and impose a lengthy jail term on offenders.  It proposes a fine of $50,000 (£37,000) and/or up to two years in prison for publishing “false” information.  The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes law also criminalises abuse on social […]

A new law in Kenya is the latest in East Africa to punish the spreading of “false information” and impose a lengthy jail term on offenders. 

It proposes a fine of $50,000 (£37,000) and/or up to two years in prison for publishing “false” information. 

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes law also criminalises abuse on social media and cyber bullying.

Critics of the “fake news” laws in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania say they are meant to muzzle independent media. 

The situation is not dissimilar in neighbouring Tanzania where authorities recently published new regulations which require bloggers to pay $920 (£660) for the privilege of posting content online. 

In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni’s government has put on hold plans for a “social media” tax after the finance ministry said that it would need to consult on how such a tax plan would be implemented.