Overview
On October 1, 2020, the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) launched a public consultation on proposed rules regarding content and broadcasts distributed over the Internet. Those distributing such content would be required to register with the LCA and conform with the broadcasting principles and standards that typically apply to broadcasting licensees per the Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (Broadcasting) Rules 2004. This could impact any social networks, OTTs, video-on-demand services, or other online platforms with user-generated content that operate in Lesotho.
Under these rules, such content would be encapsulated in the term “Internet broadcasting,” broadly defined as Internet posts accessible to at least 100 Internet users in Lesotho, whether individually or in a series, and Internet posts by users who have more than 100 followers in Lesotho. Internet post means any message, whether text, picture, video, or audio that is placed or uploaded on any Internet platform to be accessed by the public. The LCA would explicitly exclude private communications from these rules.
Registration and requirements
Entities subject to these requirements would be obliged to register within six month of the promulgation of these rules. Those seeking to register must provide proof of incorporation, proof of residence or place of business, and have the ability to comply with the Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (Broadcasting) Rules 2004. The Broadcasting Rules include, inter alia, a code of practice with conditions related to community standards; protection of children; privacy; fairness, accuracy and impartiality in news and information programs; and more.
Timeline and participation
The consultation concludes on October 29, 2020, at 16:30 local time. Interested stakeholders may submit comments to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Lesotho Communications Authority
30 Princess Margaret Road
Old Europa, Maseru
Lesotho
Email address: [email protected] or [email protected]
For more information reach out:
