Zimbabwean authorities have moved to strengthen oversight of digital content accessed within the country, following renewed public debate over the spread of explicit material online and its accessibility to children.
In a statement issued on 3 February 2026, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe said it was deeply concerned about the growing circulation of explicit digital content by some social media creators. The regulator noted that such material remains readily accessible to local audiences, including minors, despite being hosted on online platforms.
The intervention comes amid increased scrutiny of online personalities whose provocative content has attracted high levels of engagement and, in some cases, significant financial gain. Recent incidents involving explicit material shared by high profile creators have sparked widespread public backlash and raised questions about accountability in the digital space.
Digital Platforms Not Exempt From The Law
The authority emphasised that all digital content consumed in Zimbabwe is subject to the country’s legal and constitutional framework, regardless of the platform or where the creator is based. It reiterated that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and in a manner that respects the rights of others, as provided for in the Constitution.
BAZ further clarified that operating online or from outside Zimbabwe does not shield content creators from accountability if their material is accessible locally and contravenes national laws.
Protecting Children From Harmful Content
Child protection remains central to the regulator’s position. BAZ cited provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act, which guarantees children the right to be protected from content that could negatively affect their moral or psychological development. The authority stressed that the best interests of the child must always take precedence.
Reference was also made to the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act, which prohibits the distribution of content considered indecent, obscene, offensive or harmful to public morals.
Warning To Digital Content Creators
Although no individuals were named, the timing of the statement follows public criticism of explicit content shared by prominent Zimbabwean social media figures, some of whom have publicly highlighted their viral reach and monetisation success.
BAZ cautioned that it will not allow the misuse of digital platforms in ways that undermine national laws, constitutional values or societal moral standards. Content creators were reminded of their legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that their work respects the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly children.
Enforcement Measures Considered
The regulator indicated that appropriate enforcement measures would be taken to ensure compliance and to protect the public interest. It added that government remains committed to preserving the country’s moral fabric while responding to the evolving realities of a rapidly expanding digital media landscape.
Facebook Comments