Bunge mums about TCRA’s suspension of online platforms

Dodoma. Concerns over the implementation of the online content regulations by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) have been raised in Parliament by Ubungo MP Saed Kubenea on Tuesday. However, in response, the Parliament chairperson, Ms Najma Giga said the parliament could not make any comments on the matter. 

“The parliament is unable to comment on the issue because TCRA has solid reasons to suspend operations this way. Hopefully, restrictions will be removed at the appropriate time,” she said.

The legislator for Ubungo through Chadema submitted the matter before the parliament seeking the government’s explanation, noting that the decision suppressed independence of press.

Using regulation 47 (1) (2) (3), Mr Kubenea pleaded that the parliament should suspend its activities to discuss the matter.

“TCRA has halted information disseminations through social media. Following the announcement, information disseminated through YouTube, blogs, websites and online radio stations have been restricted effectively from yesterday (Monday),” he said.

He further added that TCRA has categorically stated that from June 15 this year, operators who will fail to pay license fees will be restricted operations.

The MP reminded the Parliament that TCRA temporarily suspended implementation of the regulations following petition filed by Civil Society Organization (CSOs) at the High Court in Mtwara Zone before the injunctions were lifted last month.

“The public was not prepared for TCRA’s announcement issued yesterday. The parliament should temporary halt its activities to discuss this issue, to get the government’s response,” he said.