Kenya is considering regulating online services such as WhatsApp and Skype in a radical move that could force the internet-based service providers to share data with the government.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is in search of a consultant to study and determine how the so-called over-the-top services (OTTS) operated by groups such as Facebook, which runs WhatsApp, and Skype owner Microsoft, could be regulated.
The regulator wants to have some measure of control, much like it does with other traditional telecom products such as calls and phone text messages.
“Given that providers of OTTS are likely to gather their subscribers’ data and may not be domiciled in Kenya,” the CA said in a statement.
CA REGULATION
CA will study the outcome and recommendations of the consultancy and decide on what aspects it can implement as part of its regulatory mandate.