Zim ICT Bill threatens free speech

Zimbabwean Internet service providers (ISPs) are struggling to install costly equipment to monitor the flow of information in the southern African country, according to online activist Web site Kubatana.

President Robert Mugabe formally signed the Interception of Communications Act earlier this month. It enables the government to intercept phone calls, e-mails and faxes with the intention of protecting national security.

The law stipulates ISPs are under mandatory obligation to pay for and install the monitoring equipment.
“The law now stipulates that licensed Internet access providers and their ISPs must install the lawful interception equipment at their own cost,” says Shadreck Nkala, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Internet Service Provider Association (ZISPA).

The Act further states an ISP that fails to provide assistance in terms of this section shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.

Nkala says there is a need for discussion between communication providers and the government as to the financial logistics of installing such equipment.

“There will be a problem in obtaining foreign currency to pay for the equipment. The cost of implementing the equipment can vary from several thousands of US dollars to a million or more, depending on the sophistication of the installation chosen,” he adds.

Zimbabwe's inflation is at around 4 500%, which causes business operations difficulties as it is, he says. “This law will put pressure on ISPs and other communication operators, amid torrid economic times in Zimbabwe.”

ZISPA has engaged in talks with the communications regulator Potraz and the ministry of transport and communication on finding a realistic solution.

Information control

The monitoring equipment intercepts information from the targeted user, without him or her noticing it is being filtered. The information is then recorded, explains Nkala.

Leonard Vincent, Africa correspondent for Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), says the law will make the “free flow” of information in Zimbabwe next to impossible.

According to an RSF statement, the promulgation of this law is further evidence of Mugabe's desire to keep news and information under close control.

The Zimbabwe government denies the charge, insisting the new law is in line with international trends to fight terrorism and ensure national security.

The government has continued to justify its decision by citing Canada, SA, UK and the US as countries with similar legislation to protect citizens against the imposing threat of terrorism, says Mathew Takaona, president of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists.