Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has launched the National Media Policy, urging greater accountability in the digital space and safeguards against the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and global tech giants. The policy aims to provide a framework for ensuring access to factual, verified, and reliable information, address concerns around market dominance, data privacy, misinformation, and user rights, and promote content diversity, cultural plurality, and digital literacy. The policy will also enhance regulatory efforts, content and platform accountability, and support for Zimbabwe’s independent content ecosystem. The launch comes as governments worldwide contend with regulating the growing impact of AI and digital platforms on traditional media and public discourse.
The launch took place at State House in Harare, where the president described the policy as a timely and necessary response to the profound transformations in the media sector driven by emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). He noted that AI has reshaped how information is gathered, analyzed, produced, and disseminated, increasing the speed and reach of journalism but also presenting new challenges and opportunities.
“Our regulatory efforts, content and platform accountability, as well as support for Zimbabwe’s independent content ecosystem, will be enhanced,” said Mnangagwa.