Zimbabwe has introduced a co-regulatory framework to manage online media and address misinformation and harmful content. The policy was announced at a national conference focused on digital broadcasting and media ethics. Officials say the approach will balance regulation with collaboration as digital platforms continue to grow.
The Zimbabwe government has announced plans to regulate online media content through a new co-regulatory framework aimed at addressing misinformation, deepfakes, and harmful digital content. The move comes amid growing concerns over the rapid expansion of online broadcasting platforms and their impact on society.
The announcement was made by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda during the opening of the Broadcast Evolution Zimbabwe Conference held in Harare. The conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss the future of digital media regulation in the country.
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According to Dr Soda, the new framework seeks to balance oversight with flexibility as digital platforms continue to evolve. He said traditional boundaries between broadcasting, telecommunications, and online media have become less defined, requiring a policy approach that adapts to these changes rather than imposing strict controls.
The conference was organised by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe under the theme “Regulating the Digital Frontier: Online Broadcasting, Ethics, and Co-Regulatory Approaches in the Age of AI and New Media.” The event focused on how to manage emerging challenges linked to digital communication technologies.
Dr Soda was joined at the event by Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana and Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe board chairperson Valentine Mutatu, among other officials and delegates from across the media sector.
In his address, Dr Soda said the rise of smartphones has changed how information is produced and shared. He described the device as a “global distribution channel” that allows individuals to act as broadcasters, publishers, and advertisers at the same time.
“We are living in a disruptive environment,” Dr Soda said. “The once-clear boundaries between broadcasting, telecommunications and digital media are dissolving. Our regulatory response must therefore be adaptive rather than restrictive; collaborative rather than purely prescriptive.”
He added that a single smartphone now functions as a newsroom, broadcasting studio, advertising platform, and global communication tool. This shift, he said, has increased the volume of content being shared online, including material that may be inaccurate or harmful.
Government officials have expressed concern that some online users are circulating false information and content that could negatively affect children and the country’s social environment. The new framework is intended to address these risks while supporting responsible media practices.
The policy aims to introduce a co-regulatory approach, where government works together with industry stakeholders to manage content standards. This model is expected to allow for shared responsibility between regulators and content creators in addressing misinformation and ethical concerns.
The move follows a period of increased attention on digital platforms, where the spread of fake news and manipulated media has raised questions about accountability. Authorities say the framework will help create clearer guidelines for online broadcasters and improve content monitoring.
The government’s approach reflects a broader shift toward adapting regulation to technological change. Officials at the conference indicated that collaboration and dialogue with media stakeholders will continue as the framework is developed and implemented.
The Broadcast Evolution Zimbabwe Conference served as a platform for discussing these issues and exploring solutions that align with current digital trends. Participants examined how artificial intelligence and new media tools are shaping the communication landscape.
As digital media continues to expand, the government’s initiative marks a step toward establishing rules that address both opportunities and challenges in the online space. The framework is expected to guide how content is created, shared, and regulated in Zimbabwe going forward.
