South Africa’s Film and Publication Board (FPB) has issued a compliance notice to Apple, accusing the tech giant of failing to pay required fees and register as a content distributor. The FPB claims that Apple’s non-compliance has caused financial strain on the agency.
During a Parliamentary Committee meeting, Acting FPB CEO Makhosazana Lindhorst revealed the issue, citing the possibility of geoblocking non-compliant services like Apple TV+ from operating in the country. This approach would prevent access to Apple’s digital content unless they comply with local regulations.
Lindhorst noted that Apple had initially resisted the FPB’s demands but has since indicated a willingness to cooperate through legal representatives. This includes addressing the outstanding fees and fulfilling registration requirements.
The FPB’s actions reflect growing regulatory pressure in South Africa to ensure international tech platforms adhere to local laws. This could set a precedent for enforcing compliance across Africa, raising concerns about how regulators balance local laws with access to essential digital services.
Additionally, the FPB and other regulatory bodies like ICASA have been working to strengthen oversight of digital content, addressing issues like harmful online material and seeking better enforcement mechanisms for compliance across the sector.
READ ALSO
This case underscores the challenges that global tech companies face in navigating local regulatory frameworks, particularly in emerging markets with increasingly stringent laws for digital content.
