The dark side of social media in Zimbabwe: Unpacking the legal framework conundrum

Abstract

Despite their numerous benefits to humanity, social media platforms have brought new challenges on the national security landscape. Irresponsible use of social media has resulted in social vices such as violence, terrorism, child pornography and a myriad of other social ills. To counter the social media-induced threats, most nations have resorted to strict regulatory frameworks that criminalise and penalise some of the social media actions that are viewed as threats to national security. This paper, which is largely based on a literature and documentary survey, explores the threats posed by social media in Zimbabwe. The paper also evaluates the regulatory framework for control of the social media threats in Zimbabwe. The paper reveals that social media platforms have been used to instigate violent protests, to issue subversive statements and to spread fake news, causing fear and despondency amongst citizens. Social media platforms have also been used to facilitate other crimes such as human trafficking and distribution of pornographic material. While several existing statutes have been invoked in the face of these threats, the absence of a specific law to deal with social media threats militates against the current legal framework.

Key words:

• Social media
• national security
• social movement
• violence
• constitution
• regulation

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

This paper explores the threats that are posed by social media in Zimbabwe, a developing country that has been characterised by an upswing in social media usage amidst socio-economic challenges. The paper reveals that social media platforms have been used to foment violent protests, spread fake news intended to cause panic and political intrigue, and to facilitate crimes such as human trafficking and distribution of pornographic material. The paper also reveals the limitations of the current legal framework to address social media threats to national security, as well as providing an argument for speedy promulgation of a comprehensive piece of legislation that addresses social media threats to national security.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ishmael Mugari

Ishmael Mugari holds a doctorate in policing and is a lecturer in the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies at Bindura University of Science Education in the Republic of Zimbabwe. His research focuses on criminology, police accountability, police strategy and national security issues. This article focuses on the impact of technology, specifically social media, on national security. It also exposes the limitations of the legislative framework in policing social media threats to national security.