In light of the events of the past few weeks, it is important to take a step back and define what digital rights are and how Zimbabweans can demand that these be honoured.
Digital rights
High Court sets aside internet shutdown directives
High Court judge Justice Owen Tagu on 21 January 2019 ruled that the Minister of State in the President’s Office Responsible for National Security does not have the authority to issue any directives in terms of the Interception of Communications Act.
Internet shutdown court challenge set down for hearing
MISA Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights’ urgent court application date, challenging the use of the Interception of Communications Act to wholly suspend communications has been set.
Digital rights under the spotlight, as govt betrays uneasiness over online debate
Digital rights are not the reserve of a specific class of citizens but they extend to every human being who makes use of ICTs to communicate and access information.
Zimbabwe enters data protection minefield with new proposals
Zimbabwe has flirted with the idea of adopting a data protection law, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa hinting that such a regulation could be on the horizon.
MISA Zimbabwe appointed member of the SADC IGF Multi-Stakeholder Coordinating Team
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe has been appointed to the Multi- stakeholder Coordinating Team of the Southern African Development Community Internet Governance Forum (SAIGF).
Criminal Insult in the Digital Age
A Harare magistrate recently convicted a man of criminal insult. The charge of criminal insult against Shadaya arose after he retweeted a Tweet sent from an account purportedly belonging to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Priscilla Chigumba.
Implications of electronic transactions tax on digital rights
Electronic communications and transactions have been a convenient source of revenue for African governments looking to expand their tax base.
Anti-fake news campaigns direct attack on free expression and A2I
Internet-based communications have made it easier and more affordable to communicate. Unfortunately, this ease of sharing communication has also made it easier to disseminate misinformation. At times, inaccurate information is shared deliberately as part of...
Zimbabwe’s urgent need for data privacy laws
This short digest discusses two ICT related events that show how dated Zimbabwean laws are when it comes to the protection and promotion of fundamental rights in the digital age.