Contemporary Considerations of the Digital Age: Justifying the Need for Sui Generis Protection of Image Rights in Uganda Amidst the Rise of Social Media and Generative Ai
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Date
2025-05-17
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The digital age has paved the way for the rise of social media and Generative AI, which have transformed the way in which images and identities are commercially exploited. While these advancements have undeniably been beneficial in this regard, the legal implications of the drawbacks cannot be ignored. This research illustrates how these technologies expose major gaps in existing Intellectual Property frameworks, particularly in the area of image rights. In Uganda, where there is no specific (sui generis) law protecting image rights, individuals remain even more vulnerable to these forms of misuse and exploitation. The findings show how courts are increasingly forced to stretch existing privacy and copyright laws to fill these gaps, often without sufficient guidance. Whereas legal protections for image rights remain inconsistent globally, Uganda’s lack of clear regulation places it in an increasingly precarious position. This study argues that the country must adopt a sui generis legal framework that reflects the unique challenges of image rights in the digital era, especially in light of the rapid evolution of Generative AI and the far-reaching influence of social media.