Netflix, WhatsApp Face Closer Scrutiny From SA Regulator
‘Look at this inquiry as Icasa trying to level the playing field, just to make sure that anyone who provides services, at least they work within defined rules of the game,’ says Icasa chair Mothibi Ramusi.
South Africa's communications regulator Icasa is increasing scrutiny of over-the-top service providers such as Netflix and WhatsApp, signalling a move toward extending traditional broadcasting and telecom licensing rules to digital platforms. The inquiry's stated aim of "levelling the playing field" suggests incumbents may push for obligations on data, content, or contribution levies that currently apply mainly to licensed operators. For Netflix and Meta, this raises the prospect of added compliance costs and potential regulatory friction in one of Africa's largest digital markets.
Filed Under
What did you make of this
Sign in to react and save stories. Reading is always free.
Be the first to comment
Sign in to join the conversation. Reading is always free.
Related Reports & Analysis
Kenyan court blocks Vodacom's Safaricom stake purchase
The High Court ordered the 15% stake to be returned to the Kenyan government.
African Telcos Hand Vendors Their Business Blueprint
African telecom operators are entering a new phase in which the most important part of their business may no longer read more How African telcos are handing vendors the blueprint to their business
NITDA, NDPC, Galaxy Backbone Back CyFrica 2026 as Nigeria's Cybersecurity Summit Returns
[CyFrica] As Nigeria's digital economy accelerates towards an estimated $18.3 billion in 2026, the country is confronting an equally urgent challenge: protecting the digital infrastructure, data and financial ecosystems powering that growth
TikTok Removes Over 500,000 Videos in Morocco in Q1 2026
TikTok has deleted 530,652 videos in Morocco during the first quarter of 2026. These videos were removed for violating Community Guidelines of the social media platform, according to a TikTok report showing the platform’s efforts made to