Govt. Finally Regulates Online Applications and Content Providers

In orderto respond to and control the rapid growth in internet-based content and application businesses, the Minister of Communication and Information (“Minister”) recently issued Circular Letter No. 3 of 2016 on Internet-based Applications/Content Service (Over-the-Top)(“2016 Circular”).The 2016 Circular sets out a number of provisions related to the regulation of internet-based applications and content, which are also known as “Over-the-Top” (“OTT”) services, and these are to be implemented soon. [1] However, the issuance of the 2016 Circular grants OTT service providers adequate time in order to fully comply with the regulatory framework currently being prepared by the Minister. [2] The 2016 Circular Letter is of relevance to both foreign and local OTT service providers, as well as telecommunications providers.“Over-the-Top” Internet-Based Applications & Contents ServicesOTT Servicesare types of service which allow internet users to utilize: [3]