Govt threats worsen self-censorship in media

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, police, and government officials have particularly warned against sharing what they call “fake news”.

e Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe’s statements on the use of social media have also been interpreted as attempts to instill self-censorship among users.

In March 2020, Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Edzai Chimonyo, reportedly told military officials that social media was a threat to national security and that the military would begin monitoring social media.

Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa also issued statements warning social media users against sharing false information on Covid-19, specifically with regard to the duration of the lockdown.

e new laws have worsened self-censorship as online journalists fear the consequences of reporting anything that is contrary to the government stance.