Online Reporter
Trust Freddy, Zimpapers Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to curb digital misinformation by transitioning to a new co regulatory media framework designed to tackle the rise of deepfakes, fake news and immoral content circulating across online broadcasting platforms.
The shift follows mounting concerns over the unchecked growth of digital media, where some users are reportedly spreading content that is not only inaccurate but also harmful to children and damaging to the nation’s social fabric.
Officially opening the Broadcast Evolution Zimbabwe Conference in Harare yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Soda Zhemu, said the rapid erosion of boundaries between traditional broadcasting and digital media required an adaptive, rather than restrictive, policy approach.
The high level indaba, organised by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), ran under the theme: “Regulating the Digital Frontier: Online Broadcasting, Ethics, and Co Regulatory Approaches in the Age of AI and New Media.”
Minister Soda was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana, and BAZ board chairperson, Mr Valentine Mutatu, among other officials.
Addressing delegates, Dr Soda described the smartphone as a “global distribution channel” that has turned every citizen into a potential broadcaster.
“We are living in a disruptive environment. 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. Today, a single smartphone is not just a device; it is a newsroom, a broadcasting studio, an advertising platform, and a global distribution channel, all rolled into one,” the Minister said.
This evolution, he warned, poses a fundamental challenge for traditional information control and verification of truth.
“This convergence presents immense opportunities for innovation, economic growth, youth participation, and media diversity. Yet, it also introduces complex regulatory questions: How do we govern content? How do we ensure platform accountability, protect intellectual property, combat misinformation, and uphold ethical journalism, while maintaining our national regulatory sovereignty?”
Central to the new policy direction is the shift toward co regulation — a model where the State, industry players and professional bodies jointly set and enforce ethical standards.
Minister Soda also stressed that while the Government is committed to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) goal of building a modern digital economy, it would not compromise on the “timeless values” of journalism.
“The speed of online information has too often come at the expense of accuracy, verification, and accountability. We are witnessing the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, manipulated media, and deepfakes — all of which threaten public trust and social stability.”
On the rise of AI, the Minister said that although the technology offers “remarkable opportunities” for efficiency and personalisation, Zimbabwe must ensure its integration is guided by transparency to prevent the manipulation of information ecosystems.
“Al is already being deployed to generate news content, personalise audience experiences, moderate platforms, analyse behaviour, and produce synthetic audios and videos. While these technologies offer remarkable opportunities for efficiency and innovation, they also raise serious ethical and regulatory concerns around deepfakes, intellectual property rights, algorithmic bias, and the potential for manipulated information ecosystems. Zimbabwe must ensure that the integration of Al into our media sector is guided by clear ethical principles, transparency, and accountability.”
BAZ Board Chairperson, Mr Valentine Mutatu, also weighed in, saying regulation must balance standards with innovation.
“All broadcasters and content creators must uphold standards of accuracy, integrity, and fairness. With the rise of AI and deepfakes, accountability is more important than ever. We support clear ethical guidelines and a co-regulatory approach involving industry and regulators. Our goal is not to stifle innovation, but to enable a dynamic and responsible media sector. We seek a balanced regulatory framework that promotes creativity and investment while ensuring accountability and protection of national interests.”
Media Alliance of Zimbabwe Coordinator, Nigel Nyamutumbu, said: “Online broadcasters have often abused the constitutionally provided freedom of expression, which has led to a culture of unverified and inaccurate news, and the proposal of co regulation addresses that.”
MISA Harare Advocacy Chairperson, Mlondolozi Ndlovu, supported co regulation as an essential tool for the sector.
“The issue of co-regulation is imperative, particularly when we talk of online platforms because this means it is a collaborative effort between those effecting regulation and those affected by it, and building consensus between the two.”
