GOOD news lies ahead for content creators across the country as government fully supports the motion of having social media monetised in the country.
Yesterday, Information and Media minister Cornelius Mweetwa revealed that government has started the process of repealing and replacing the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act to regulate the social media space and in turn facilitate the monetisation of social media in Zambia.
This was in response to a motion in the National Assembly on the need to monetise social media in the country which was moved by Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu and seconded by his Kamfinsa counterpart Christopher Kang’ombe.
The motion received massive support from law makers in the house of which they urged government to take swift action on the matter.
Mweetwa in turn, assured the law makers that government had started the process of facilitating for the monetisation of the digital space.
He said the rationale behind repealing and replacing the act is because government recognises that things have changed, especially with the coming in of technology.
The minister further thanked the mover and seconder of the motion Mpundu and Kang’ombe respectively, for coming up with a progressive motion in the house.
“We are looking at content providers holistically, that is content for alternative media and content for traditional media, there lies in the monetisation of social media content. This motion is therefore a push against an already open door.”
“Madam speaker, what they are proposing is already catered for. We are ensuring that we amend our laws to be in tandem with the dictates of the dynamics in the technological space which is affecting social media. We are not stifling freedoms of citizens to participate in social media but to enhance the enjoyment of social media. This motion should be supported as we are all agreeing,” said Mweetwa.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 20, 2024
