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
Guide to the Zimbabwean Cyber and Data Protection Act
This Guide intends to assist ordinary citizens, data protection advocates, human rights advocates, media organisations and interested individuals in getting a basic understanding and application of the Cyber and Data Protection Act (Act). This guide aims to contribute...
The Survival Toolkit for Journalists: How to protect yourself against Digital Surveillance
The Survival Toolkit for Journalists: How to protect yourself against Digital Surveillance guide was developed in response to the growing threat of digital surveillance and cyber security legislation, used by governments and others to track and monitor journalists in...
Worrying decline in media freedom in Southern Africa
Reporters Without Boundaries has released the 2022 World Press Freedom Index, which points to worrying signs for freedom of expression in Southern Africa, with a number of countries recording sharp declines. Botswana, long regarded as a bastion of democracy, saw a...
Journalism safety and security a priority ahead of 2023 national elections
As Zimbabwe commemorates this year’s 2022 World Press Freedom Day, MISA Zimbabwe takes note of the improving media operating environment as evidenced by the reduction in the number of media freedom violations in 2021. We therefore urge the government, political...
MISA launches second regional press freedom report
MISA has launched the second edition of the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report, with this year’s edition focusing on digital surveillance of journalists. The report was launched simultaneously in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where MISA, UNESCO and the government...