Pretoria, South Africa – In a significant development for South Africa’s regulatory landscape, the Information, Communication Technologies and Media Regulators Forum was officially launched today, 10 October 2024. The Forum, formed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the Film and Publication Board (FPB), the Domain Name Authority (ZADNA), and the Information Regulator, is set to streamline the way these sectors are regulated. The Forum was established to strengthen cooperation, reduce overlapping efforts, and create more efficient regulations to address the evolving ICT and media sectors.
• The creation of the Forum is a direct response to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, where the boundaries between traditional media, information, and communications technologies are increasingly intertwined. The primary aim of the forum is collaboration, and it is further guided by the following objectives
• Strengthening cooperation in regulating the Information and Communications Technologies and Media sectors;
• Identify and address duplication of effort.
Identify areas for potential synergies and areas of cooperation in the future, in order to optimise a regime of effective information and communications technologies and media regulation in South Africa, that is aligned with the new developments in the digital era.
Speaking at the launch, Chairperson of the Forum Ms. Tshiamo Maluleka-Disemelo said, "This Forum is an important step in ensuring that our regulatory landscape
remains responsive and effective in the -changing digital age. This Forum will allow us to work together to solve shared challenges and seize new opportunities.”
In a joint statement, the CEOs of ICASA, ZADNA, FPB, and the Information Regulator reflected on the importance of a united vision in navigating the future of digital regulation. They highlighted the Forum’s role in building a streamlined, efficient regulatory environment capable of meeting the challenges posed by technological advancements and digital platforms. The launch was centered on the theme “United for a better digital world”
.ZADNA added that this collaborative platform is not just a convergence of regulatory bodies, but a testament to our shared vision of building a safer, more inclusive, and progressive digital environment for all South Africans. We recognise that no single entity can address the full spectrum of challenges we face in the digital landscape.
The Information Regulator echoed this sentiment, noting that in order for the regulators to ensure that the human rights such as data privacy and access to information is respected and promoted, collaboration is fundamental.
The FPB added that the collaboration will enhance their efforts of ensuring that children and consumers in general are protected from prohibited and harmful content online.
The launch of the Information, Communication Technologies and Media Regulators Forum is a significant milestone for the future of digital regulation in South Africa. As the country embraces technological innovations, the Forum will play a crucial role in ensuring that regulation keeps pace with the rapid developments in the Information, Technology, and Media sectors.
“This marks the initial step in what we envision as a broader collaborative effort. Membership is accessible to regulatory entities, while entities not meeting the membership requirements but expressing interest in regulatory matter may be granted observer status. The Forum’s enduring vision is to broaden its membership and extend invitations to other regulatory entities with a mandate in the digital economy to join.” Chairperson of the Forum.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Milly Matlou
0632570030
Media@icasa.org.z