Ethiopian Media Authority Plans Mandatory Registration Framework for Digital Media
The Ethiopian Media Authority is drafting amendments to mandate the registration of digital media outlets to improve monitoring and accountability. The move aims to regulate content on platforms like Facebook and YouTube to protect national interests and public safety.
Why it matters
This policy shift represents a significant tightening of media regulation in Ethiopia, raising questions about the balance between government oversight and freedom of expression.
The Ethiopian Media Authority has announced that it is preparing amendments to the Media Proclamation to bring unregistered digital media operators under a formal registration, monitoring and accountability framework.
The Authority said it is carrying out its regulatory responsibilities under Media Proclamation No. 1238/2021, including monitoring content published by media outlets and assessing compliance with Ethiopian law and professional journalism standards.
According to the statement, the Authority currently identifies and ranks media institutions based on their level of compliance with legal and ethical requirements. It also works with relevant justice and law-enforcement bodies when media organizations are suspected of committing legal or professional violations.
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