Facebook threatens to suspend investments in Uganda due to social media tax

Following a recent social media tax in Uganda, where each mobile phone user pays a daily charge to access social media sites such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram and Twitter, Facebook has threatened to suspend its infrastructure investments.

Kojo Boakye, Facebook Africa’s Public Policy Manager, said that they have informed the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) that their present business model will be affected by the 200 Ugandan shillings (USD$0.05) daily social media tax implemented by the government  Facebook, under the Free Basics Initiative, intends to offer free Internet access for all its sites in 42 African countries.