The Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) has suspended registering YouTube channels that operate as media houses following a series of complaints from different YouTube bloggers. The move to register YouTube channels was initially intended to regulate journalism operating online for accountability and professional purposes. The development triggered mixed reactions, with some interpreting this as unnecessary, given that YouTubers already subscribe and adhere to international standards while others claimed that it contradicts article 19 of the law regulating media in Rwanda, which stipulates that every person has the right to receive, disseminate or send information through the internet. However, RMC’s chairperson Cleophas Barore clarified, in a statement released on Tuesday, December 29, that “The proposal to have YouTube media-based channels registered was a suggestion that was fronted by media practitioners who use YouTube platform to serve their audience as professional media operators.” Some media experts, including journalism lecturers, also considered the decision as ‘controversial’ and advised the self-regulator to consult all the stakeholders before the development can be implemented. RMC is considering regulating YouTube channels after receiving a number of complaints from the public accusing some online media publishers including YouTube bloggers of publishing offensive content that target certain groups of people. Barore said that the decision is momentarily suspended as his office seeks to have more consultation to streamline this service. Meanwhile, Gentil Gedeon Ntirenganya, a YouTube blogger thinks that RMC suspended registering YouTube channels because “the proposal itself had issues” “That [YouTube] is a platform which already has community guidelines it sticks to, and having bloggers working for it in Rwanda does not give anyone the mandate to regulate the [YouTube] platform,” Ntirenganya told The New Times. He suggested that a YouTuber who wants to be a journalist should apply for an accreditation card from RMC like freelancers and international media correspondents do. Emmy Nsengiyumva, a showbiz journalist who operates ‘Yambi’ YouTube channel, says people who think that the decision to suspend registering YouTube channels was taken in favor of YouTube vloggers are totally wrong because there are a lot of benefits and opportunities that they are missing out due to not registering the channels. “Registering their channels will help them overcome some challenges like limited access to information, protection during coverage while they would also be equipped by enough training to improve their content. Sooner or later they will face the consequences,” Nsengiyumva said.
