MISA Zimbabwe also urges the government to accelerate the digitisation process which is reportedly being stalled by foreign currency challenges by duly allocating the required funds for completion of the project which is now long overdue. Conclusion The year under review was a mixed bag of progress on one hand and retrogression on the other hand. Progress can be measured in the context of the gazetting of the Freedom of Information Regulations and the licensing of more community radio stations. As mentioned earlier in this report, are the commendable and encouraging steps taken by the government towards complying with the High Court orders which goes a long way in enhancing citizens’ right to relevant information on the Covid-19 pandemic. This is in line with the requisite standards for the provision of access to information on Covid-19 to ensure members of the public make informed decisions to protect themselves from the virus. However, the clawback provisions in the Data Protection Act, risk eroding the gains made through the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act and undermine citizens’ right to free expression online and ultimately access to information for informed decisions and choices. In that regard, the government should be guided by the findings of the courts which struck down the criminal offence of publication of falsehoods (criminal defamation) to avoid costly constitutional court challenges against such provisions. The other major issue that needs sober consideration is the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill. As highlighted earlier, in its current status, the Bill poses the greatest risk to Zimbabwe’s democratic credentials. The government should also seize the opportunity of the proposed Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill to come up with a democratic broadcasting regulatory framework that allows for a free, independent, diverse and sustainable broadcasting industry. 21