Cyber and Data Protection Act (CDPA) Zimbabwe – Charges, Fines, and Penalties

Introduction

Violating the CDPA carries serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or both. Understanding the law protects you from legal trouble.

1. Offences and Charges
Offence Description Penalty
Unauthorized access Hacking into computers or accounts Fine + 1–5 years jail
Data breach Sharing personal data without consent Fine + possible imprisonment
Phishing/fraud Online scams targeting citizens Fine + 1–3 years jail
Cyber harassment Online bullying, threats, or stalking Fine + community service/jail
2. Enforcement

POTRAZ investigates breaches.

Police Cyber Unit prosecutes offenders.

Courts impose fines or imprisonment based on severity.

3. Tips to Avoid Penalties

Never hack or access unauthorized systems.

Obtain consent before collecting or processing data.

Maintain proper security protocols for all digital systems.