Zimbabwe's government is looking to implement a National Central Subscriber Information Database System (NACSID) that some fear could be used by the state "to mine" telecom traffic data.

In the latest move towards increased control of social media platforms and Over the Top (OTT) services, telecom industry regulator, Potraz, has invited tenders for the supply and installation of NACSID, with details published in the government gazette of 9 September 2016.

However, there are concerns that the database could be used for monitoring of private telecom communications inside the country.

A networking expert who spoke to ITWeb Africa under condition of anonymity, said the "database may be used to mine data from traffic" and added that this supported "calls" from President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF government for regulation of social media.

"A national database will make it easy for the government to monitor and they will not have to rely on operators to supply information. However, because of end-to-end encryption by Facebook and WhatsApp, it remains to be seen if such platforms can be monitored," the expert added.

Mugabe recently said the government will leverage Chinese technology and expertise to gain control of social media platforms and while authorities intend to control and monitor Over the Top (OTT) services, officials say social media will not be banned.

At the same time the southern African country is preparing the Computer and Cyber Crime Bill that will make it an offense to originate or spread subversive or offensive material using mobile phones and other digital platforms.