The regulation of digital media has become a matter of concern for many French-speaking African countries.
Last September, the International Symposium on "Strategies for Regulating Online Audiovisual Media Services" brought together 14 African regulatory bodies in Abidjan, in addition to the French CSA and representatives of television broadcasting platforms such as Startimes and CANAL+.
The symposium's agenda included the accountability of global digital platforms and access providers, public awareness and media education, the implementation of concerted action at the UEMOA level to establish a common legal framework, and the fight against the illegal exploitation of audiovisual productions and services on the internet.
A first step has just been taken by the HACA in Côte d'Ivoire, which reminds "promoters of online audiovisual media (web TV, web radio) and other digital audiovisual operators that the operation of these services is subject to prior authorization by the HACA, in accordance with Law No. 2017-868 of December 27, 2017, on the legal regime for audiovisual communication, which provides in Article 107 that "the operation of cable or fiber optic, satellite, ADSL and all multimedia networks for the purpose of publishing, distributing, or broadcasting radio or television services is subject to authorization by the HACA" and that they now have until November 30 to comply with the law.
This authorization is formalized by the signing of an agreement and specifications between the operator and the HACA for the operation of these services.
The registration form is available online at www.haca.ci.
At the same time, the DRC government has announced the upcoming "states general of communication and media," with the central theme: "The Congolese media: what prospects in the digital age and the challenges of sustainable development."
During these meetings, which concern all media, participants will, among other things, propose relevant reforms concerning the legal regime governing the media, with a particular focus on the online press.