Editor's Review

Any person found committing the offenses shall be liable to a fine not exceeding Sh 500,000 or to imprisonment to a term not exceeding four years or both.

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) in partnership with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) has launched a crackdown targeting social media users sharing copyrighted content.  

In a statement on Tuesday, December 19, KECOBO said it has received numerous complaints from several entities concerning the infringement of their works through social media platforms.

The board noted that the illegal activities are mostly carried out on Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp platforms.

“Information available indicates that several Facebook and WhatsApp groups have been formed for the sole purpose of sharing popular TV content, movies, and pirate subscription codes.

"There are also persons offering pirate PDF or soft copies of books. There also exist websites offering illegal pirate streams affecting football content as well,” read the statement in part.

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Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) CEO Edward Sigei PHOTO | COURTESY

KECOBO mentioned that the acts are an infringement of the constitution under the Copyright Act more particularly the exclusive making available right and offering for sale and rental infringing Copyright works.

The board noted that any person found committing the offenses shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 500,000 or to imprisonment to a term not exceeding four years or both.

“KECOBO, in conjunction with the Communication Authority of Kenya and working closely with the social media platforms has commenced investigations on the incidences with a view to close down and pursue legal actions against owners of those social media accounts. Infringement of Copyright (piracy) attracts both criminal and civil liability for the owners of those pirate social media accounts,” the board added.

The agency further urged the public against participating in the illegal acts saying they undermine respect for Intellectual Property and the rights of artists to make a decent living from their creative works.

“Meanwhile, KECOBO welcomes any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators on the addresses indicated on this advisory,” the agency added.