The Zimbabwe government is tightening screws on ‘fake’ news sites as the country moves towards 2018 elections, a move seen by political analysts as a way of stifling of stifling freedom of expression.
The Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services ministry has said many people were falling victim to fake news peddlers and warned that a new law would bring culprits to book.
“There are many websites which are peddling falsehoods about the country. Most websites founded by people living in the diaspora and sponsored by shadow NGOs have been in the forefront. However, this would be the thing of the past as the sun is slowly setting on them,” he said.
Sources alleged that the activities of Australian based journalist Victor Chatikobo, who runs the zimnewsblog.com are being seriously monitored for possible criminal charges against him based on the Cyber Law.
It is alleged that among many other websites hosted from outside the country, Chatikobo’s website has reportedly been redflagged by the government.
The government views the ungoverned internet space as a threat to national security and expects the laws will be applied to these journalists effectively.
The Government is viewing this with urgency and seriousness.
A source said ahead of the qatershed elections next year, government is taking the ‘ fake news’ approach to clamp down websites that reportedly tell the truth about the current corruption and misgovernance.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Imagine Zimnewsblog.com an Australian based site has 70 000 subscribers it means 70 000 ordinary citizens are being misled each time an article is published, so that is the position, ” said a source.
Another source said government views the ungoverned internet space as a threat to national security and expects the cyber law will be applied to those who have access to publishing information.
