Millions of Ugandans quit social media after tax on twitter introduced

[basquebromance]

Taxes were introduced in Uganda last year to tame "idle talk" on social media. It turns out they could have a damaging impact on the country's economy. Ugandans are expected to pay 200 Ugandan shillings (4p) a day to use more than 60 online platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. But a lack of formal banking services means many have to rely on mobile phone companies to send money by text message. As a result, internet subscriptions fell by more than 2.5 million and mobile data sellers have had to cut staff. Critics have also described the tax as a threat to free speech. Social media has become a major source of news for Ugandans, which has led to people being more critical about political conditions in the country.