Digital rights

Digital rights refers to your right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas online, without fear or restriction from surveillance, censorship or laws silencing dissent.

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

Malawi should rethink its broadcasting licence regime

Malawi should rethink its broadcasting licence regime

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has over the past three months been revoking broadcasting licences and closing radio and television stations for delays in the remittance of broadcasting licence fees.  In 2022, MACRA revoked licences for six...

Call for Applications: IJP German-Southern African Bursary 2023

Call for Applications: IJP German-Southern African Bursary 2023

Dear Colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to the call for applications for this year’s Horst Köhler Fellowship Programme / Southern African Bursary and we kindly ask you to spread the word among fellow journalists. Applications are still possible...

MISA Botswana elects new NGC

MISA Botswana elects new NGC

The Botswana Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Botswana) on 21 January 2023 elected a new National Governing Council (NGC) that will be led by Thomas Nkhoma as chairperson. The new NGC replaces the one that was led by Mboki Chilisa, who will...

Zimbabwe should #KeepItOn#

Zimbabwe should #KeepItOn#

By Nompilo Simanje Internet shutdowns have become a common trend in Africa, especially during elections, protests or other conflicts. In Southern Africa, many countries have a history of internet shutdowns including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Democratic...