Freedom of Expression on the Internet and the Law in Tanzania

Abstract

This article seeks to discuss some legal issues raised by the emergence of Internet as a new medium through which the right to freedom of expression is exercised. The legal issues that are discussed include freedom of expression in relation to the right to privacy, defamation and protection of children welfare, and freedom of expression regulation on the Internet from its generality. These are issues that call for a balance between them so as to enhance justice to all in a society. The discussion is based on Tanzania laws and other international laws that guarantee this fundamental right, and the laws that protect other rights which may be affected by the exercise of the former right. At national level, the laws discussed in this article include the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 (as amended), and the Law of the Child Act, No. 21 of 2009 whereas those at international level  include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966; the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, 1981; the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989; the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 13; and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 59.

Keywords: Freedom of expression, Privacy, Defamation, Children Protection