Despite recently rejecting a request by mobile operators for stricter control of Over-The-Top (OTT) messaging and social media services, including WhatsApp and Twitter, Zimbabwe's government has now stated its intention to use a similar technology approach to that of China in order to control usage of these platforms.

While control of OTT services has been a topic of debate recently in neighbouring South Africa, enforced regulation could become a reality in Zimbabwe, according to local technology experts.

"At this stage, I am concerned that all Internet gateways and infrastructure will be controlled by one company. With control of all Internet gateways, it will be technically feasible to monitor, filter or even block internet traffic," said Christopher Musodza, managing consultant at CNM Technologies.

Some industry experts believe it is possible to regulate and monitor internet traffic, including social media, because all mobile and internet subscribers are required to register their accounts.

"Mass surveillance and interception will be an achievable task," claimed one expert who spoke under condition of anonymity.

Hate speech

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, whose party has banned officials from commenting on party issues using social media platforms, said at the weekend that there is widespread abuse of social media platforms and this was fanning hate speech.

"There is a lot of mischief (on the platforms). There is a lot of hate speech and people are using in a bad manner. The Chinese have security measures and we want to see how we can utilise that to make sure that the hate speech and abuses is controlled," Mugabe said in the Shona vernacular.

A blog by The Techzim.co.zw posted on Monday stated that Zimbabwe could put in place restrictions similar to The Great Firewall of China, which is used to facilitate internet censorship in mainland China.