GOVERNMENT WARNS: PROFIT-DRIVEN SOCIAL MEDIA FUELLING ONLINE ABUSE

The Government has expressed serious concern over the growing levels of cyberbullying, online harassment and harmful digital content in Zimbabwe, warning that monetised social media platforms are contributing to the problem.

Speaking in the Senate, Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dingumuzi Phuti, said features that reward users financially for views and engagement are encouraging the spread of abusive and provocative content.

He explained that the race for online popularity and income is increasingly outweighing ethical responsibility, leading to material that erodes personal dignity and societal values.

TikTok Under Scrutiny

According to reports, Phuti highlighted TikTok as one of the platforms raising concern, noting the rising use of offensive language and the circulation of inappropriate content that exposes children to harm.

He warned that such trends pose serious risks to young users, who are among the most active participants on social media platforms.

Zimbabwe’s Early Move on Data Protection

The Deputy Minister noted that Zimbabwe took early steps to address digital safety issues by enacting the Data Protection Act in 2021, placing the country among a small number of African nations with a formal legal framework for data privacy and online protection.

He added that the ongoing training of Data Protection Officers has helped strengthen the country’s ability to respond to privacy violations and online misconduct.

Limited Awareness Remains a Challenge

Despite these measures, Phuti acknowledged that low levels of public awareness continue to undermine protection efforts. Many citizens, he said, are unaware of how to report online abuse or seek redress.

This lack of digital literacy leaves victims exposed, particularly children and young people who spend significant time on social media.

Child Online Protection Bill Near Completion

The Deputy Minister told Senators that the Ministry is close to finalising a Child Online Protection Bill, which is expected to strengthen safeguards for minors, enhance enforcement mechanisms and tighten regulation of harmful online content.

He stressed that stronger oversight, combined with public education, is crucial to prevent the normalisation of abusive language and digital violence in Zimbabwe.