DAR ES SALAAM, March 16 -- THE Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA) has warned that the unauthorised distribution of creative works via WhatsApp and social media is a criminal offence, carrying the risk of steep fines and imprisonment.

As digital sharing becomes more common, the agency is reminding the public that “forwarding” copyrighted music, films and books without permission is a direct violation of intellectual property laws.

COSOTA copyright officer Paul Makula told the press that there had recently been a rise in people creating social media groups to distribute creative works such as music, films and written content without authorisation.

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“Recently we have s...