Constitution Watch 2/2019 Internet Shutdown 19 January 2019 estimate is that the shutdown cost over $5,5 million in direct costs, and to that must be added all the indirect costs such as transactional delays and lost opportunities, to say nothing of the damage to the country’s reputation as a place that is “open for business”. It has to be recognised – indeed the Constitution itself recognises – that freedom of expression can be abused through hate speech and incitement to violence. The Internet and social media were misused in this way both before and during the recent disturbances. The Government is entitled to curb such misuse, if it can, but it must do so lawfully. By issuing illegal and arbitrary warrants and directives the Government has laid itself and ISPs open to legal challenges and, possibly, liability for heavy damages. Veritas makes every effort to ensure reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied To subscribe or unsubscribe from this mailing list please email billwatch@mango.zw If you wish to contact Veritas please email veritas@mango.zw If you are requesting legislation please email veritas@mango.zw or look for it on www.veritaszim.net follow us on (+263 71 893 3633)