Belize Broadcasting Authority Faces Pushback Over Proposed Online Broadcasting Bill

The Belize Broadcasting Authority (BBA) has put forward a Broadcasting Bill that would expand the country's existing broadcasting framework to cover certain online media services. The proposal creates a new classification called “National Online Broadcaster” and would require licensing and compliance for services operating as broadcasters, while the BBA says it would not apply to ordinary users of platforms such as Facebook, TikTok or YouTube.

Critics, including attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington and Silvatech founder Cristian Silva, argue the draft is overly broad and could threaten freedom of expression, impose unnecessary burdens on livestreaming businesses and small online creators, and give the BBA discretionary power to limit content. During a public consultation, BBA legal advisor Marisa Longsworth explained the licensing criteria based on commercial benefit, audience size and accessibility. Opponents are calling for wider stakeholder consultations before the bill is finalized.