The INCM, Mozambique’s Communications Regulatory Body, is attempting to limit coverage of the demonstrations called by independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
A statement from the INCM issued on Thursday declares that it “has followed with concern the use of telecommunications networks in the country to publish videos and messages that promote and encourage violent demonstrations and other acts of disobedience and social destabilization”.
The use of telecommunication networks “to promote actions that are an assault against state security, and the security of people and property, constitutes fraudulent traffic, and also constitutes a threat to the preservation of national security, as advocated in the Law on Telecommunications”.
But the INCM does not explain how it determines that a particular video is a threat to national security, rather than a legitimate piece of news.
The INCM urges all users of telecommunications and the public in general “to use correctly and responsibly communications services, refraining from participation in the dissemination of information that constitutes or promotes illicit acts, with the purpose of obtaining advantages contrary to the interest of society and of the State, inciting to violence and the practice of crimes”.
All telecommunications subscribers and operators, the INCM adds, should collaborate with the authorities, informing them about any use of communications that contributes to the “practice of crimes that might endanger public order and tranquillity”.
The INCM statement coincides with the second Internet shutdown within less than a week. The shutdown is far from total, and the INCM has not admitted to ordering it.
Nor do any of the three mobile phone operators admit responsibility. The publicly owned operator, TMcel sent a message to its clients on Friday morning saying “access to some networks is temporarily restricted for reasons beyond our control”.
AIM
