Zimbabwe Plans To Register All Mobile Phone Handsets
Zimbabwe is planning a daring move to trace every mobile handset in the fight against cybercrime (allegedly). Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulator is pushing for the creation of a nationwide database that can track and block stolen or illegal mobile phones in a move officials say will help combat rising cybercrime and protect digital financial transactions. But the big question is will it be the only reason of tracking the devices. When government tries to roll out such things we can’t help it but think of China and North Korea. Usually these always end up being misused by unlawfully tracking citizens or even censoring what is shared, effectively shutting down free speech and suppressing human rights. On the surface it would really useful in combating crime but we all know that, it will not be it’s only function. So what does this mean.
The initiative, proposed by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), aims to go beyond SIM card registration and require all mobile phone users to also register their handsets. The plan would create a Central Equipment Identification Database (CEID) a live system capable of disabling handsets flagged as stolen or lost.
“We are lobbying for a database to track handsets”Engineer Hasha Myambo, Potraz’s competition and standards manager, confirmed that the regulator is engaging Government and stakeholders across the telecommunications sector to make handset registration mandatory.
“There is a need for appropriate policies to address the different vices that happen in cyberspace,” said Eng Myambo.
“While there is an instrument compelling operators to register all issued SIM cards, we are lobbying for a corresponding instrument that puts in place a Central Equipment Identification Database for handsets to which operators subscribe.”
With this in mind we can’t help but wonder what the internet landscape would be like in such a world, given there are some broadcasters behind bars right now for broadcasting and practicing journalism which in a normal environment should be done freely. Well here it all seems to be anything but free and fair given one can have freedom of speech but freedom after speech is entirely a different matter altogether. I might be skeptical or cynical but this move has chaos and trouble written all over it.
The CEID would allow mobile network operators to identify and block any phone reported stolen or lost, rendering it useless even if the SIM card is changed.
Tracking phones to protect digital moneyThe rise in mobile money use across Zimbabwe has increased the risks of cybercrime, fraud, and identity theft, according to Potraz, but really? Which digital money would they be protecting, we all know without a pin the can’t do much and usually the first move after losing your phone is to contact your ISP/FSP to block the sim so when the say protect digital money what do they really mean. They should come with more valid reasons than that.
Criminals often exploit weaknesses in mobile phone identification to commit scams and fraud true but how will the database solve such problems what the private ISP can’t already do. The lack of transparency and clear understandable reasons for such a project further confirms our fears for oppression and censorship.
Eng Myambo said a registered handset system could help restore public confidence in mobile financial services, though last i checked that wasn’t the reason people are losing confidence in our financial system, well i could write a 50 page thesis on that but well that’s a story for another day.
“The registration of handsets alongside SIM cards is essential for securing mobile-based transactions,”Eng Myambo explained.Potraz believes that being able to blacklist devices swiftly after they are reported missing will also deter phone theft a crime that continues to rise in both urban and rural parts of Zimbabwe. Well that’s valid but this has more cons than pros because from all the reasons this is the only positive one for the public.
The CEID proposal would bring Zimbabwe in line with countries like South Africa and Kenya, which already run similar systems to detect and block cloned or stolen phones. The takeaway here is these countries have better political landscapes than here, i mean take a look at what’s going on here in Zimbabwe with the arresting of journalists, activists and opposition members, implementing such a system will further fuel these unlawful arrests.
From regulation to collaborationThe initiative marks a shift in how Potraz wants to manage Zimbabwe’s digital ecosystem. Eng Myambo said the authority is moving away from a traditional “command and control” approach to a more inclusive and collaborative model that brings together regulators, mobile networks, law enforcement, and financial institutions.
“The regulator is engaging ICT stakeholders, particularly other regulators, to come up with coherent national plans that integrate ICT-based development to maximise the impact of ICTs on economic growth and social development,” said Eng Myambo speaking to The Herald.
The CEID could also assist police investigations by tracing devices linked to criminal activities, as each phone’s unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number would be registered and trackable.
Although no timeline has been given for when the system could be rolled out, discussions with the Government and ICT stakeholders are already underway. Potraz says it is committed to laying the groundwork for a secure and competitive digital economy.
“This registration initiative signifies a shift from a command-and-control regulatory approach to a collaborative model, fostering a competitive digital economy,”said Eng Myambo.
What’s next?
While Zimbabweans have grown accustomed to SIM registration, mandatory phone registration might raise new concerns around privacy and implementation logistics. However, Potraz insists the system is not for surveillance, but for security and anti-theft protection.
The proposal comes at a time when mobile phone use in Zimbabwe is at an all-time high, with smartphones increasingly becoming essential tools for communication, banking, education, and health services.
While this might be a good move on paper, practically it could be disastrous with misuse, censorship and God knows how many privacy violations of citizens. We are waiting to see whats next but whatever it i doubt the sincerity of it all.
If you have a tip, a story, or something you want us to cover get in touch with us by clicking here. Sign up to our newsletter so you won’t miss a post and stay in the loop and updated also we will be launching a free basic cybersecurity short course for beginners to teach you how to protect yourself online. Just subscribe for free to our newsletter and create an account on perusee to be eligible.
Note: You can also advertise on Perusee, just contact us, call or app +263 78 613 9635
Click here to Follow our WhatsApp channel
Keep comments respectful and inline with the article, also create an account and login to chat with members in our forum, get help on issues you need help with from community members.