Mai Titi's Nudes: POTRAZ Issues Chilling Statement

POTRAZ has expressed concern over the rising number of cases involving the sharing of intimate images and videos without consent.

The regulatory body has said that individuals engaging in such activities could face prosecution under the Data Protection Act, potentially leading to a five-year jail term.

The recent incident involving Felistas Murata, popularly known as Mai TT, a social media influencer, has brought the issue to the forefront. Nude pictures and videos of Murata were leaked on various social media platforms, allegedly by her ex-husband.

Potraz’s Director-General, Dr Gift Machengete, released a statement addressing the issue, highlighting the violation of the Data Protection Act through the circulation of such content.

“Potraz as the designated Data Protection Authority of Zimbabwe has noted with concern the increasing number of incidents of collection, sharing, distribution and or broadcasting of intimate images and or videos without the consent of the person whose intimate images and or videos would have been shared.

“The purpose of this notice is to advice members of the public that:

1. Intimate images and videos form part of personal information which is categorised as sensitive data under the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07]. The Act prohibits the collection, sharing and distribution of sensitive data without the consent of the data subject.

2. The Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07] as read with Section 164E of Criminal Law Codification & Reform Act [Chapter 9:07] prohibits the collection, transfer, sharing and or broadcasting of intimate images and or videos without the consent of the person concerned.”

He said the law seeks to curb the humiliation and embarrassment of persons whose intimate images and or videos would have been shared.