Zimbabwe’s Cyber Law Sparks Outrage: Surveillance Fears and Digital Censorship Debate
Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act has come under intense scrutiny following the arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga in February 2025.
Mhlanga was charged under Section 164, which criminalizes the transmission of digital messages that incite violence or property damage.
His case has fueled debates over digital rights, free speech, and government surveillance, with critics arguing that the law could be used to suppress political discourse online.
The Act, which came into force on March 11, 2022, consolidates multiple cybersecurity and data protection laws under one framework.
While it aims to prevent cybercrime, regulate personal data use, and promote technological development, critics argue that merging cybersecurity and data protection into a single law weakens its ability to safeguard personal privacy effectively.
Concerns over mass surveillance and AI-driven profiling have intensified, particularly after reports surfaced of Zimbabwean citizens receiving unsolicited political messages.
This has raised fears about how personal data is accessed, stored, and potentially misused by authorities or other entities.
Additionally, questions have arisen about whether Potraz, Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulator, is the right agency to oversee cybersecurity enforcement, with critics asserting that such oversight requires greater independence to prevent excessive government control over digital communications.
In September 2024, authorities introduced Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024, refining cybersecurity licensing regulations and tightening enforcement measures.
Although the Act criminalizes offenses such as cyberbullying, harassment, and unauthorized data transmission, activists warn that its broad provisions may open doors for mass surveillance and digital censorship.
Mhlanga’s arrest stemmed from his broadcasting of press conferences held by politician and war veteran Blessed Geza, who called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.
These broadcasts, aired on AMH’s YouTube channel HStv, were classified as violations of Section 164, which prohibits using digital platforms to incite violence or destruction.
According to The Herald, Section 164 mandates up to five years in prison or a level 10 fine for offenders.
Additional offenses under the Act include cyberbullying, harassment, spreading false information, unauthorized sharing of intimate images, racist or xenophobic material, child pornography and spam messaging.
Government officials continue to emphasize strict monitoring of digital platforms, raising concerns over heightened social media surveillance.
On April 22, 2025, Deputy Chief Secretary George Charamba warned in a post on X that the government is closely watching online activity, cautioning that the spread of disruptive or misleading information may soon carry legal consequences.
