SOUTH AFRICA – According to a press release from the Film and Publication Board (FPB), South Africans who share harmful content on social media could face fines of up to R150 000 or up to two years’ imprisonment.

The content regulatory authority has issued an urgent warning to the public to refrain from sharing videos that constitute advocacy of hatred, incitement of imminent violence, and propaganda for war.

The legislation stipulates that “any person who knowingly distributes in any medium, including the internet and social media any film, game or publication which amounts to propaganda for war, incites imminent violence, or advocates hate speech, shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding R150 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both a fine and such imprisonment.”

The FPB said in the press release that it has noted with serious concern the circulation of various videos on social media that constitute advocacy of hatred based on identifiable group characteristics, incitement of imminent violence, and propaganda for war.

“Such content is harmful and inappropriate, and detrimental to the safety, dignity and well-being of other people, but it is also an offence to be shared on any medium, including the internet and social media,” the board said in the notice issued from its Centurion offices.

The Films and Publications Act, 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996) as amended, empowers the FPB to regulate the creation, possession and distribution of films, games and certain online content for public viewing. The Act specifically prohibits the distribution of films and photographs that amount to incitement of imminent violence and advocacy of hate speech.

According to the press release, sharing videos or images of this nature constitutes a criminal offence under section 24G of the Act.

The FPB said it will use the powers entrusted to it to write to social media platforms requesting the removal of such video clips. The board continues to monitor online distribution and dissemination of prohibited and harmful content.

Members of the public are advised not to share, re-post, or distribute harmful videos in any form, as they will equally be guilty of contravening section 24F of the Act.

The board has encouraged South Africans to report complaints relating to harmful and prohibited online content through the following channels:

• Toll-free: 0800 148 148
• WhatsApp: 083 428 4767
• Email: clientsupport@fpb.org.za

The warning comes at a time when social media platforms have increasingly become channels for the rapid spread of content that may violate South African law, particularly material that incites violence or promotes hate speech targeting specific groups, the FPB reiterated.