of effective implementation of an ICT policy adopted in 2005, Zimbabwe has witnessed a remarkable growth in mobile phone and Internet penetration rates. As of end of 2014, Zimbabwe had a mobile phone penetration of 106% and internet reach of 47%. Although new media technology usage is nominally free from government interference, the spectre of surveillance hangs over citizens’ heads. In 2007, the country set up a Monitoring of Interception of Communications Centre and passed the Interception of Communications Act (ICA) which allows state security authorities and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority to spy on citizens’ mobile phones and emails. The government is also planning to introduce a cybersecurity law intended, among other issues, to deal with abuse of cyber platforms and social media “infractions”. The Bill, if passed, would also allow government to remotely install forensic spying tools onto citizens’ communication devices. An imperative for Zimbabwe going forward is to harmonise existing legislation with the constitution. The new constitution presents an opportunity for Zimbabweans to reclaim civil rights like freedom of expression, the right to privacy and freedom of assembly that are currently under threat from the state. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015 9