WhatsApp faces possible regulation in South Africa

The parliamentary telecommunications and postal services portfolio committee will hold public hearings on “Over-The-Top” (OTT) services on 26 January 2016 with a view to possibly regulating them. Popular OTT services include WhatsApp, Google Hangouts and Skype.

Some mobile networks feel it is unfair that these services generate profits by riding on the back of infrastructure paid for by the networks. Others have said that networks are getting a return in the form of data charges.

In a statement, the committee indicates that network operators, relevant information and communication technology entities and the internet service providers are likely to attend. If clients wish to contribute, they should write to the portfolio committee or attend the hearings.

First publisherd by: Financial Institutions Legal Snapshot