KECOBO to probe social media users sharing copyrighted content

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has said it will launch investigations into social media users sharing copyrighted content.

The Board said it had received complaints from several entities concerning the infringement of their works through social media platforms.

In a statement, KECOBO Executive Director Edward Sigei said there have been suspicious activities on Telegram, Facebook and WhatsApp platforms.

"The 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," Sigei said.

"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."

The Board said the acts constitute an infringement under the Copyright Act, the exclusive making available right and offering for sale and rental infringing Copyright works.

"Be warned that under the Copyright Act, any person found committing the above offences shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 500,000 or to imprisonment to a term not exceeding four years or both."

KECOBO in partnership with the Communication Authority of Kenya has commenced investigations into the incidences to close down and pursue legal actions against owners of the social media accounts.

Sigei said that infringement of Copyright (piracy) attracts both criminal and civil liability for the owners of those pirated social media accounts.

According to the board, infringing the rights exposes one to theft of personal information and supports illegal causes.

"This is, therefore, to alert the public of the ongoing pirate activities and warn them against participation as those activities undermine respect for Intellectual Property and the rights of artists to make a decent living from their creative works."