Netflix and other streaming platforms could face new regulatory requirements in South Africa as ICASA investigates the impact of OTT services on the country’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
Law firm Webber Wentzel says Netflix and other streaming platforms could face major changes in South Africa as the communications regulator examines how OTT services fit into the country’s regulatory framework.
IOL previously reported that South Africans could eventually see changes to the way they access or pay for popular services such as Netflix and WhatsApp as the communications regulator investigates the growing influence of internet-based platforms on the country's telecoms and broadcasting industries.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has launched market inquiries into over-the-top (OTT) services, including streaming and messaging platforms, as well as the affordability of telecommunications services.
The law firm said the OTT inquiry could result in these services being brought into South Africa’s communications licensing framework, which could mean new compliance requirements for platforms operating in the country.
