Daily Nation to sue Kenyans sharing their newspapers on whatsapp without paying

Nation Media Group has announced they will be going after Kenyans who are sharing their online PDF newspapers without their permission.

Since the President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a state-at-home order that was aimed at curbing the spreading of the coronavirus, most Kenyans resorted to catching up with news online and thereby drastically reducing sales of physical newspapers.

Well, if you have been knowingly or unknowingly sharing by way of forwarding to your different contacts or whatsapp groups, Daily Nation said that you have committed a crime and has drastic repercussions under the law.

According to amendments to the Copyright Act 2001, you could be facing up to 10 years in Prison for the theft and illegal sale of the newspapers.

This comes after a spark of illegal sales and distribution of the said digital newspapers on social media platforms following the government’s restriction on movements.

Daily Nation argues the results of such actions are seeing newspapers and publications losing significant income due to the breach.

Those found guilty of committing the offense could have to pay a fine 5 times the market value of each shared copy of the copyright product or Ksh 1000 for each infringing copy. The offenders could also face up to 10 years in jail.

If you are a repeat offer, you could pay a fine 10 times the market value of each shared copy of the copyright product or Ksh 2000 for each infringing copy or face up to 20 years or both, Daily Nation warned.

Please follow and like us:

Related