KECOBO warns against sharing pirated content on social media platform
KECOBO Executive Director George Nyakweba on Friday announced that the agency had received multiple complaints from copyright holders regarding the unauthorised distribution of their works online.
The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) have launched a crackdown on individuals sharing copyrighted content on social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp.
KECOBO Executive Director George Nyakweba on Friday announced that the agency had received multiple complaints from copyright holders regarding the unauthorised distribution of their works online.
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"Available information indicates that several Facebook and WhatsApp groups have been created solely for sharing e-newspapers, popular TV content, movies, and pirated subscription codes," he said.
Nyakweba also warned against the illegal distribution of soft copies of books and the unauthorised live streaming of football matches, which disrupts official broadcast signals.
According to KECOBO, these activities violate the Copyright Act, which protects intellectual property rights.
Nyakweba cautioned that individuals who bypass technological protections designed to restrict access to copyrighted materials are guilty of copyright infringement.
"Any person found culpable will be liable to a fine not exceeding Sh500,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding four years, or both," he warned.
KECOBO, in collaboration with the Communications Authority, has already begun investigations into social media accounts involved in piracy.
The agencies are working with platform operators to shut down offending accounts and take legal action against their owners.
"This is to inform the public of the ongoing pirate activities and warn them against engaging in the same since they undermine respect for intellectual property rights," KECOBO said in a statement.
The agency also highlighted the risks associated with online piracy, including the potential exposure of personal information to cybercriminals.
Meanwhile, KECOBO has urged the public to report any cases of online piracy via its hotline or email to aid in the ongoing crackdown.
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