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
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...
Now Available: State of Access and Use of Community Information Centres in Zimbabwe report
This report presents a study on: The State of Access and Use of Community Information Centres (CICs) in Zimbabwe. Community Information Centres are centres in rural and marginalised communities that are equipped with digital technologies such as computers,...
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
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#
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...