COSOTA cautions public on illegal sharing of copyrighted works

Dar es Salaam – The Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA) has issued a stern warning to the public that sharing music, films, books and other creative works on WhatsApp or social media without permission is a criminal offence. The society highlighted that this practice can lead to heavy fines and even jail time. According to Paul Makula, COSOTA’s copyright officer, there has been a noticeable increase in people forming social media groups to distribute creative content unlawfully. Makula urged citizens to stop these actions immediately, reminding them that forwarding copyrighted materials without authorization is a direct breach of intellectual property laws. He also encouraged the public to report such activities so that those responsible can face legal consequences. In addition, COSOTA advised artists to consult the society before signing agreements with music labels, as some contracts do not fully protect artists’ rights, leading to disputes. Creators are also encouraged to register their works with COSOTA to secure proof of ownership and ensure they fully benefit from their creations. The move aims to safeguard the interests of both artists and the general public in Tanzania’s growing creative industry.