THE recent enactment of cyber security and cybercrime laws in Zambia has ignited a wave of fear and confusion among citizens, with the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) and the Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) expressing strong concerns over potential infringements on privacy and fundamental rights.
The CCZ has warned that the new legislation could lead to an unprecedented level of interference in people’s private lives, extending into the intimacy of their homes.
Council General Secretary, Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya in an interview with Hot FM, questioned the rationale behind such intrusion by voicing out his disappointment with the enacted laws, arguing that they fall short of Zambians’ expectations for a just and secure digital landscape.
Bishop Chikoya challenged the government’s decision to conduct proceedings in private and its communication of the news to the United States before informing Zambian citizens.
“This is like waking up to a nightmare because the government promised us change, but now they have made things worse. It is like a slap in the face to all of us who believed in them,” Bishop Chikoya stated.
He also raised concerns about the government’s use of its parliamentary majority to push through the legislation without proper deliberation on its ethical implications.
Meanwhile, the ZCSD executive director, Leah Mitaba, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the new cyber laws have caused significant anxiety and confusion among Zambians.
In an interview with #Kalemba, Mitaba highlighted the government’s inconsistent stance on cyber legislation, recalling their strong opposition and pledges to repeal such laws when in opposition.
Mitaba emphasised that the enacted laws, which are perceived as even more restrictive than those previously criticised, are creating a climate of fear as citizens worry about their rights and liberties.
“The recently enacted cyber laws contradict regional and international norms and as a result, could have adverse implications for Zambians, denying them the freedom to express themselves and participate in the digital realm,” Mitaba stated.
She further urged the government to provide clear explanations for its shift in stance and to reverse course by replacing the current cyber laws with legislation that prioritises the protection of citizens’ rights.
Mitaba also called for meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to implement legislation that reflects a human rights-based approach.
However, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said the cyber laws are not meant to muzzle freedom of expression but to bring sanity in the cyber space.
He said people using the cyber space responsibly should not worry, except for those scandalising others, scammers, and cyber criminals.
Kawana said this during a courtesy call by the organising committee for the World press Freedom Day slated for May 3, under the theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
By Sharon Zulu
