Nation Media Group Limited (NMG) has issued a public notice regarding the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of its digital newspaper publications, specifically the E-Paper.
In a notice, published on Wednesday January 15, NMG notified the public that no person has the authority to reproduce or generate its digital and/or electronic versions of its E-paper
“It has come to the attention of Nation Media Group Limited (NMG) that there are persons who have made and continue to make unauthorized copies of its various newspaper publications (E-Paper) and distribute them in digital format for sale on, among others, social media platforms,” part of the notice read.
NMG also clarified that no individual or entity has been granted the authority to reproduce, generate, or distribute digital or electronic versions of their E-Paper or any other publications.
NMG cautions readers sharing its Digital Newspapers
Similarly, the listed media giant warned that such actions constitute piracy, infringing on NMG’s copyright, and are considered criminal offenses under Section 38 of the Copyright Act.
Further, the company called for an immediate cessation of these activities, urging the public to stop any form of reproduction, distribution, or retention of these infringing copies.
“Any person in current possession of the infringing works is required to immediately destroy such copies and desist from this or any other infringement of NMG’s rights to its publications in the future,” the notice further read.
NMG also stated that they are actively monitoring for violations, and any person found engaging in these activities after the issuance of this notice will face legal action.
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The notice further emphasized that ongoing surveillance would ensure compliance, and offenders will be prosecuted, facing the full extent of legal consequences.
“Surveillance is on-going and any person who commits any of the infringement actions above after the date of this notice shall be prosecuted for the criminal offences and will suffer all the other rights and remedies afforded to NMG in law,” NMG warned.
NMG’s flagship brands include Daily Nation, which was rebranded to Nation Africa, Business Daily, Taifa Leo, Daily Monitor (Uganda), and NTV.
Penalties for people indulging in piracy of newspapers
Copyright Act 2001 provides the foundation for copyright protection in Kenya.
It prohibits the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and sale of copyrighted works, including digital newspapers.
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Piracy of digital content, including newspapers, can attract significant penalties.
According to the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), piracy is considered a criminal offense, potentially leading to fines up to Ksh800,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
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