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Statement by LEAD President Linda Masarira

We have taken note of the recent pronouncement by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), suggesting the mandatory registration of cellphone handsets as a measure to combat cyberbullying and other forms of digital crime.

While we acknowledge the importance of addressing cyberbullying and ensuring responsible digital conduct, we firmly believe that the proposed method of compulsory cellphone handset registration is an excessive, invasive, and potentially regressive approach.

Cyberbullying is a serious concern that affects many Zimbabweans, particularly women, children, activists, and vulnerable groups. However, we believe that there are already existing, conventional, and effective legal and technological avenues available to address it without infringing on civil liberties or further burdening already frustrated citizens. The Cyber and Data Protection Act, which criminalizes cyberbullying, provides a sufficient legal framework. What is needed is enforcement and digital forensic capacity, not a blanket surveillance system disguised as regulation.

Mandatory cellphone handset registration raises serious concerns about:

• *Privacy rights* It poses a risk of surveillance and monitoring, especially in a context where trust in state institutions is already eroded.

• *Freedom of expression* Zimbabweans should be able to express themselves freely online without fear of retribution or intimidation.

• *Criminalizing the innocent* Handset registration may target the wrong people and open avenues for abuse of power.

• *Economic exclusion* Such policies may increase the cost of mobile connectivity and widen the digital divide.

If the government’s concern is genuinely about curbing cyberbullying, it should instead:

• Strengthen digital forensic units within ZRP and the judiciary.

• Educate citizens through digital literacy and online safety campaigns.

• Partner with civil society and tech companies to create safe reporting platforms.

• Invest in youth support systems, counselling, and online etiquette programs.

Zimbabweans are already burdened with economic hardships, restricted civic space, and digital taxation. This proposal adds yet another layer of bureaucracy, frustration, and potential abuse. We therefore reject the handset registration initiative in its current form and urge POTRAZ and the Ministry of ICT to focus on rights-based, transparent, and accountable measures in regulating the digital space.

Let us not solve a problem by creating bigger ones. Let us protect both our people and their constitutional freedoms.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira

LEAD President

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