TCRA invigorates online safety efforts amid Cybersecurity Awareness month
Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has reiterated its commitment to educating the public and promoting online safety, aligning with the global Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October.
Speaking to the press in Arusha during the presentation of the Quarterly Communication Sector Performance Report for quarter one of 2023-2024, TCRA Director-General Dr. Jabiri Bakari highlighted the ongoing "Futa Delete Kabisa" (Delete completely) public awareness campaign, urging users of communication services to refrain from spreading unverified and obscene content in the online space.
Dr. Bakari advised users of communication services in the country to report fraudulent messages or calls received on their phones by sending a short message to 15040 through which regulatory action will be instituted. He also reminded users that the only legitimate assistance for mobile communication service users that they can receive from their particular service providers is through the ‘100' short code.
"When you receive information that you're unsure about, information that doesn't align with our values, information that is baseless, you should delete it immediately because spreading it is a mistake and can lead to problems. Delete it permanently," emphasised Dr. Bakari.
Addressing the campaign to educate stakeholders in the communications sector about acquiring Digital Communication licenses, Dr. Bakari mentioned that TCRA has streamlined the process through an online platform called "Tanzanite Portal," accessible on TCRA's website.
He urged all communication service providers in Tanzania to renew their licenses in accordance with the law and regulations. He also encouraged citizens to ensure that they receive services from licensed TCRA providers at all times.
"Citizens should make sure to receive services from a provider with an active license because there are providers who continue to offer services with expired licenses," Dr. Bakari emphasized.
Communication analysts have lauded TCRA's efforts in educating citizens about online safety and the acquisition of Digital Communication licenses.
Arusha resident, one Asha Mlay, commended the "Delete Permanently" campaign, noting its importance in preventing the spread of false and incendiary information online.
John Mwita, a communication service provider in Arusha as well, praised the user-friendly Tanzanite Portal system, highlighting its efficiency in facilitating license renewals for communication service providers.
Online journalists from JUMIKITA, represented by their Chairman Shaban Omary Matwebe, applauded TCRA's establishment of the Tanzanite Portal, emphasising its role in expediting service delivery for content providers and reducing license costs by fifty percent.
"The government's simplification of the online license application process, requiring only the necessary documents, NIDA ID, and a few other papers, is particularly commendable. We commend TCRA greatly for this," Matwebe emphasized.
The regulatory body, established 20 years ago oversees the communications sector in the United Republic of Tanzania. It regularly publishes quarterly reports on the performance of communications sector, ensuring stakeholders stay abreast of the rapid advancements and improvements. In the first quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year, Jabiri indicated that the communications sector continues to grow in terms of quantity, quality, technology advancement, and improved regulatory frameworks.
