The Georgian National Communications Commission is calling on all mobile operators to ensure that any information and recommendations delivered to the public via SMS messages originate from official bodies of the Government of Georgia only. In the context of threats and challenges associated with the pandemic, it is critically important that the public has access to accurate and verified information. We call on all companies under our regulation to demonstrate high social responsibility and...

The Georgian National Communications Commission will examine whether Magticom’s intention to replace its 25 GEL package with a 30 GEL package constitutes an increase in service rates, and whether the company is authorised to abolish the former package at all. GNCC Chairman Kakha Bekauri stated at today’s meeting of the commission that due to the high level of public interest towards this case, GNCC will issue an intermediary assessment before delivering the final ruling. Mr. Bekauri...

The Georgian National Communications Commission has issued Caucasus Online with another GEL 270,000 fine for selling shares without the Commission’s prior approval. The company was first instructed to revert its shareholding to the pre-sale status quo on 17 October 2019 but has failed to comply to this day. For that reason, Caucasus Online has been fined for the fourth time. If the authorized entity fails to comply with the aforementioned instructions until 1 May, GNCC may consider...

To protect children and youths from harmful effects online, the Georgian National Communications Commission has approved regulations defining the terms for publishing materials that are dangerous for children. GNCC has outlined a set of responsibilities both for internet providers and website owners. The ruling is due to come into effect on 1 June. From 1 June, GNCC will give parents the opportunity to protect their children from online threats. Parents play the leading role in the process of...

The Media Academy of the Georgian National Communications Commission held training in photojournalism for media representatives. Participants learned about the core aspects of photography and photo reporting, such as the principles of operating a camera, including composition and exposition. During the two-day training programme, journalists worked with photo reporter Davit Mdzinarashvili to learn how to take pictures when reporting news and how to prepare a photo report. In today’s...

According to the Freedom Barometer, which is a project of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, freedom of press has improved in Georgia and the country holds a leading position with regards to freedom of speech. In the aforementioned report, Georgia scored 5 points in 2018, improving to 7.1 points by 2019.  The report states that freedom of press in Georgia is protected by the constitution, and that in recent years, this right was generally upheld in practice. The Freedom...

Transparency International Georgia (TI) has published a report titled “Internet Ownership in Georgia,” which relies on the Georgian National Communications Commission’s figures for its statistics. However, the mobile internet subscriber figures in the report have been reproduced inaccurately, with discrepancies ranging between 11% and 15%. From the Commission’s point of view, it is important for the trends of telecommunications market development to be reported...

On the occasion of Safer Internet Day, representatives of the Media Literacy department of the Georgian National Communications Commission conducted interactive trainings on the subject of safe use of the internet in three state schools. The training sessions were attended by 3rd, 4th and 5th grade pupils. The aim of the training was to protect youngsters from dangers in online space and promote safe navigation of the web. The youths were introduced to the online app and board game “Happy...

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the total advertising revenues of television broadcasters amounted to GEL 22,492,308. Advertising revenues include commercials, sponsorship, product placements, announcements and teleshopping. Television advertising revenues during the fourth quarter of 2020 for each broadcaster were as follows: Teleimedi – GEL9,891,702.51 Rustavi 2 – GEL 5,009,224.00 Georgian Public Broadcaster - GEL 656,171.18 Mtavari Arkhi (Main Channel) - GEL...

The Media Academy hosted a seminar by international expert on media literacy and digital citizenship, Vitor Tome. Organised by the Georgian National Communications Commission, the seminar revolved around the topic of modern-day challenges and role of media literacy and digital citizenship. Attendees included members of GNCC, the Media Academy, the Ministry of Education and the media. Vitor Tome shared best international examples of media literacy in the fields of education and media with the...