As mentioned in the first instalment of these commentary series, existing laws
are being stretched beyond their intended purpose. The Cybercrimes and
Cybersecurity Bill provides convenient cover for government to use in the
persecution of online activists and their supporters. This is likely to increase in
the run-up to the 2018 general elections.
Key summary points
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The Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Bill is part of government efforts to
secure Zimbabwean cyberspace against cyber attacks.

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There is risk that this piece of legislation will be used to shut down
online space, especially for online social movements and other
dissenting voices, all in the name of “protecting national interests”.

-­‐

There is need to hold government accountable on the democratic
principles

of

cybersecurity

governance

as

contained

Cybersecurity Bill and National Cybersecurity policies.
End////

in

the

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