ICT Ministry warns of rising digital violence

Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Dingumuzi Phuti has warned that Zimbabwe is experiencing a sharp rise in digital violence, abusive language and harmful online content, trends he said are being fuelled by monetisation features on social media platforms.

Addressing Senators on Thursday, Phuti said financial incentives offered by platforms such as TikTok were encouraging users to create provocative, sensational or harmful content in order to attract views and generate income.

He said Zimbabwe had taken early steps to strengthen its online safety and data governance framework, citing the enactment of the Data Protection Act in 2021.

"Zimbabwe is one of the countries that developed the Data Protection Act at the turn of 2021," Phuti said, adding that the country has also trained Data Protection Officers - a capacity that remains limited in many parts of the continent.

Despite these measures, the Deputy Minister said a major challenge remains public awareness, with many citizens unaware of their rights or the protections available under existing laws.

"Our people lack information and requisite knowledge on how to respond to cyberbullying and related issues," he told the Senate.

Phuti singled out TikTok as a platform where abusive behaviour is becoming increasingly prevalent, warning that "very unpalatable language that does not protect our people, especially our children" is now common online.

He called for stronger enforcement mechanisms, improved digital literacy programmes and more comprehensive public education on online safety.

"We cannot be a society that is porous and allows the flawless discharge of abusive language," Phuti said.

The Deputy Minister also revealed that his ministry is finalising a Child Online Protection Bill, which is intended to tighten regulations, enhance safeguards for minors and strengthen Zimbabwe's overall response to online harm.