Digital rights
As people turn to digital environments as a way of expressing views they may not feel safe expressing through other channels, more and more governments are using legislation, including privacy and national security laws, to gain control over digital spaces and infrastructure.
In addition, rights such as the right to privacy online have not yet been entrenched in the minds and actions of many citizens and yet citizens across the continent are using various technological services (email, social networking, banking etc.) every day, without adequate safeguards.
Digital rights news from our chapters
Increased urgency and momentum key to addressing barriers and biases women face
This year’s International Women’s Day theme Accelerate Action should spur Zimbabwe to domesticate and actively implement the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Resolution 522 on protecting Women Against Digital Violence in Africa. The theme...
Shadow Report of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services public hearings on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill H.B 9, 2024
Compiled by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Zimbabwe) and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) INTRODUCTION This report presents key highlights and a summary of submissions made by organisations and members of the public during the parliamentary public...
MISA ZIMBABWE & MAZ Statement on passage of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill in the National Assembly
05 March 2025 Bill falls short of meeting democratic standards of broadcasting regulation The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Zimbabwe) and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) are dismayed at the missed opportunity to holistically reform the broadcasting...
Collaborative efforts across disciplines and sectors key to AI development and deployment
MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo has underscored the need for cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communities to ensure ethical development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr Moyo...
New Botswana Data Protection Act progressive step to a more secure digital environment
The Data Protection Act 18 of 2024, published on 29 October 2024 following presidential assent, marks a significant advancement in Botswana’s data privacy landscape. The new Act came into effect on 14 January 2025. The Act replaces the repealed Data Protection...