FPB wants to classify all online content...

Critics are uneasy over the proposed regulation - and a further sore point is that obtaining an agreement to distribute online will come with a cost. (Image: Rod Baker)

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• Mail & Guardian: Broad online content regulation makes ICT experts uneasy...

  The regulation is regarded as contentious by its critics. It was drafted by the Film and Publication Board in order to classify all online content and has unsettled some content distributors in South Africa, but the board says the regulation will be gazetted and open for public comment in the new year.

  The Film and Publication Board, reports Mail & Guardian, says 'no one is being sidelined and there will be ample opportunity to discuss and change the policy document.'

  The draft policy requires that anyone who wants to distribute a film, game or certain publications online will have to apply for an online distribution agreement - and then pay a fee for said agreement. The fee, which will be determined by the minister, will be imposed and, after payment, 'the distributor can classify content on behalf of the board by using its classification guidelines and those of the Film and Publications Act', reports Mail & Guardian.