TLDR ISPA says any blocking of offshore gambling sites must follow proper legislation, not just regulator orders. The group released a position paper responding to the National Gambling Board’s call for internet blocking. ISPA outlined five principles, including court oversight, transparency, and time-limited orders. The association says providers should not have to redesign networks or absorb blocking costs alone. ISPA says blocking must balance the right to access information with limiting gambling harm.
South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association has spoken out on internet blocking. The group says any move to block offshore gambling websites must be backed by proper legislation.
ISPA released a position paper this week. It explained that forcing internet providers to block websites is not simple. The group pointed to technical challenges that come with these kinds of orders.
The paper also reminded lawmakers that South Africa is a democracy. Citizens have a protected right to access information. ISPA says this right cannot be ignored when writing rules against illegal gambling sites.
The statement came after the National Gambling Board asked the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to allow internet blocking. The goal would be to stop offshore gambling operators from reaching South African customers.
ISPA agrees that providers can play a role in blocking harmful content. But the group says clear rules are needed first.
A Push for Legal Clarity
ISPA chair Sasha Booth-Beharilal explained the group’s position in a statement. She said any disruption to internet services should only happen under a clear legal framework.
That framework needs to balance two things. One is the right to communicate freely. The other is the potential harm caused by gambling content.
Booth-Beharilal said regulators often see blocking as an easy fix. She noted that experience in other countries shows this is not