Social media needs to be regulated to save culture, says Minister Mutuuzo

The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, has said that there is an urgent need for substantial regulation of the digital sector, particularly major social media platforms, to safeguard online cultural diversity, protect artists’ intellectual property rights, and ensure fair access to content for all.

This comes at a time when Uganda is joining the rest of the world to commemorate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

As culture increasingly becomes a public good in the digital age, the minister highlighted that “the pivotal role of regulatory frameworks in maintaining a balanced and equitable digital environment is key“

The minister’s remarks come at a time when digital platforms dominate the dissemination of cultural content.

With the rapid growth of the digital sector, artists and cultural practitioners face significant challenges in protecting their intellectual property and securing fair compensation for their work.

World Culture Day, which is being commemorated under the theme “Digital Transformation of the Culture and Creative Industries: Packaging Art and Culture as a National Public Good” 

She said this emphasizes the need to modernize legal structures to support the digital transformation of the creative industries while ensuring that art and culture remain accessible and beneficial to all members of society.

It requires a thoughtful approach that balances creators’ rights with public access and supports the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage.