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
Analysis of the Data Protection Act
On 3 December 2021, Zimbabwe enacted the Data Protection Act which also has aspects relating to cybersecurity and cybercrimes. The object of this Act is “to increase data protection in order to build confidence and trust in the secure use of information and...
Arbitrary social media surveillance cause for concern
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has reportedly said the government has set up social media monitoring teams to monitor what people send and receive on social media. According to a story published by NewsDay Zimbabwe in its...
Restoration of internet and social media services in Eswatini
MISA has written to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion And Expression, and, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information...
Increase in data tariffs impediment to access to information
The subject of internet access and affordability in Zimbabwe has been on the table for a while now and unfortunately, universal access for all is still far from reality. This is despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed several inequalities that are...
MISA appeals to Mnangagwa to decline signing Cyber Bill into law
MISA Zimbabwe has appealed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to decline signing into law the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill following its passage in the House of Assembly and Senate saying the Bill still requires further scrutiny. In his letter to President...