Cosmetic surgery threatens security

I am a law-abiding citizen and my face has never been photoshopped unless you count that one time my daughter posted our photo with a Snapchat filter. Recently, I have noticed a boom in hospitals offering plastic surgery, including cosmetic procedures, across Tanzania. It is like every street corner has a beauty clinic promising to turn you from this to that. Even my own wife joined the glow-up revolution. She walked into a clinic and came out looking like an American movie star. I must confess she no longer looks like the woman I married 10 years ago. I loved her for who she was, but she says she now feels more beautiful with her new face and body. I am still adjusting. We had a family gathering the other day, and I had to introduce her as if she were a stranger. None of my family members recognised her. Now my aunties and sisters want the same surgery. My concern? People are changing their faces faster than I can memorise them. How am I supposed to recognise my relative when they suddenly look like a celebrity? This is a security nightmare! Can the law really allow people to morph like chameleons just because they feel like it? Enlighten me before I start handing out name tags at family gatherings.

EM, Dar es Salaam

We understand your concern (and we agree name tags might help at family reunions!). We have reviewed laws, regulations, and public health guidelines and found no restrictions on plastic surgery, including cosmetic surgery. There is no law that prohibits plastic surgery in Tanzania because such surgery is considered essential for health reasons. Some people need plastic surgery to reverse damage caused by scars, while others undergo procedures for weight loss to avoid diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. These are just a few examples that necessitate plastic surgery. Tanzania has also entered a new era in which breast augmentation, nose jobs, tummy tucks, and glow-ups are sought after, that is why many cosmetic surgery clinics have opened up. In the past, the elite had to travel abroad for these services. Currently, Government and privately owned hospitals in Tanzania offer various plastic surgery services, including some well-known cosmetic procedures, as they are licensed to do so. So yes, people are free to legally glow up as long as they are not breaking the law.

Your concern about the security implications of widespread plastic and cosmetic surgery is valid, especially in a society where identity plays a crucial role in law enforcement, immigration, and public safety. However, while individuals in Tanzania are legally permitted to alter their appearance through licensed medical procedures, including cosmetic enhancements, this does not compromise the integrity of national security systems. Identification protocols rely on more than just facial features. Biometric data, such as fingerprints, iris scans, and official documentation, are used to verify identity even when physical appearance changes.

Further, any updates to personal appearance that affect identification documents must be legally registered through appropriate government channels. For example, photos on official documents like passports, national identity cards, and driver’s licences must be updated through legal channels. Therefore, although the law allows cosmetic surgery, the systems in place are designed to adapt and maintain accurate identification, ensuring that security is not undermined by personal aesthetic choices. We advise your wife to update her records accordingly. Imagine showing up at immigration, and the officer says, “Madam, this passport says you are Mrs EM, but you look like a certain American movie star, so you are denied services.” Consult your lawyer for further guidance on how to proceed with the update. In terms of your own feelings about your wife’s new look, we suggest you seek counselling.

Fashion designer joining major brand 

I am an emerging fashion designer in Tanzania, and my latest eco-conscious clothing line has gained significant attention both locally and online. Until now, I have operated independently, but recently several major fashion houses have approached me with offers to collaborate or sign me under their brand. One of the country’s leading labels is eager to bring me on board immediately. Before making any decisions, I would like to understand how joining a fashion brand could affect my intellectual property rights.

GD, Arusha

Congratulations on your creative success and the recognition your work is receiving. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mindsuch as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. IP is protected by law, granting creators the right to earn recognition or financial benefit from their creations.

In the fashion industry, IP rights can be complex and are largely governed by the terms of the contract you sign with a brand or label. It is essential to carefully review any agreement to understand how it addresses ownership of your designs, royalties, and licensing. Some contracts may allow the brand to market and distribute your work while you retain ownership of the designs. Others may require you to assign copyright or design rights to the brand, which could limit your control over your creations. Furthermore, if you decide to part ways with the brand in the future, the fate of your intellectual property will depend entirely on the terms outlined in your contract. Some agreements may include provisions that allow you to reclaim your rights upon termination, while others may grant the brand continued ownership.

To protect your creative rights and ensure a fair arrangement, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal advice before signing any contract. A legal professional can help you understand the implications of each clause and negotiate terms that safeguard your interests. We wish you continued success in your design career and encourage you to make informed decisions that support both your creativity and your future. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.