Digital rights

The permanent suspension of US President Donald Trump’s account has raised the concerns of ordinary internet users, particularly the demonstrated authority of social media platforms to permanently prohibit a user from exercising their freedom of expression on their platforms.

On 9 December 2020, consumers and internet users nationwide struggled to access internet services as one of the biggest internet services provider ZOL Zimbabwe’s system was not working.

Tanzania is in the process of holding its general elections, which have been tainted by the government’s clampdown on basic rights such as freedoms of expression, media, and, digital rights.

On 26 and 27 October 2020, there were reports that the Tanzania government had throttled the internet, while also attempting to enforce social media blackouts.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has raised alarm at the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe, particularly the arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists and women human rights defenders.

MISA Zimbabwe commends the relevant Parliamentary Portfolio Committees for producing a report that largely captures the submissions of citizens during the public consultation processes on the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill.