Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulator has dismissed claims that a new cybersecurity or cybercrime law has come into force, describing reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets as inaccurate.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) said it is “concerned” by the spread of misinformation and clarified that cyber-related offences in the country continue to be prosecuted under Zimbabwe’s existing Criminal Law Act. There is currently no standalone cybercrime or cybersecurity law in effect.
According to POTRAZ, the present legal framework already covers a wide range of digital offences, including hacking, unlawful access to data, and the dissemination of messages intended to incite violence or vandalism. These offences carry penalties that may include fines and prison sentences ranging from five to ten years.
The regulator urged individuals, businesses, and media organisations to verify information through official channels before sharing it, warning that false reports create public confusion and weaken understanding of the law.
Cyber legislation often carries broader implications for free speech, privacy, online conduct, and enforcement powers. As governments worldwide seek to address online harms, they continue to face scrutiny over how to balance security objectives with the protection of fundamental digital rights
