The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has issued a warning to digital content creators against publishing explicit material that is accessible to the public, including children.
This warning follows a case of a creator who gained rapid traction on Facebook after disseminating multiple explicit videos on the platform.
According to the BAZ, such material leads to the consumption of harmful online content.
BAZ reiterated that all broadcasting and digital content consumed within the country is subject to the nation’s legal and constitutional framework, irrespective of the distribution platform.
The Authority asserted that while freedom of expression is guaranteed to all Zimbabweans under Section 61 of the Constitution, it must be utilised responsibly.
Addressing the impact of online platform misuse on minors, BAZ cited the Broadcasting Services Act, noting that children have a right to protection from exposure to content that is harmful to their moral and psychological development, with the best interest of the child being paramount.
Furthermore, it said the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act prohibits the dissemination of content that is indecent, obscene, or offensive to public morals.
“BAZ will not permit the misuse of digital platforms in a manner that violates the constitution, national laws, or the collective moral standards of the nation.
"Content creators are reminded of their legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that their material complies with Zimbabwean laws and respects the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially children,” said BAZ in a statement.
It went on to say that in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory mandate, it will take action to ensure compliance and to safeguard the public interest.
“Government remains committed to preserving the moral fabric of the nation and to protecting children from harmful digital content,” the statement concluded.
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