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State moves to censor e-communication
MISA-Zimbabwe
May 31, 2004

The Zimbabwe government is forcing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to sign a contract form that will compel it to monitor and block email messages perceived to be "prejudicial to the state", The Standard of 30 May revealed.

This development will oblige ISPs in Zimbabwe to divulge the source or block individual electronic mail or messages deemed to be politically sensitive, objectionable, unauthorized or obscene.

According to the contract form, all ISPs would be mandated to ensure that objectionable, obscene, communication infringing copyright laws or those that are inconsistent with the laws of Zimbabwe are not carried by any network.

"In particular, a provider is supposed to provide without delay, all the tracing facilities of the nuisance or malicious messages or communications transported through his equipment and network to authority officers at (the government owned fixed telephone company), TelOne and Government of Zimbabwe, when such information is required for investigation of crimes or in the interest of national security.

The contract also forbids the use of the network "for anti national activities" construed as an offence punishable under the Zimbabwe law or other applicable law.

ISPs are however reported to be resisting the government’s censorship drive. They have refused to sign the contract forms saying they were illegal and infringe on freedom of expression. ISP’s also fear that such a move would serious affect their businesses.

The cyberspace has remained one of the few avenues of communication in a media environment that is largely repressive. In March 2003 the Supreme Court ruled that government intention to eavesdrop on e mail messages is unconstitutional. Most e mail messages are however routed through TelOne, a government controlled Telecommunications Company.

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