Zambia has implemented stricter measures to enforce cybersecurity laws, targeting online hate speech, propaganda, defamation, and child abuse. Critics argue that these actions may infringe on freedom of speech.
The government has activated section 54 of the 2021 Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act, which penalizes individuals who, with the intent to endanger others, publish harmful information in any form through computer systems. Convictions can result in up to five years in prison.
Officials have urged the public to follow the law and avoid social media content that could lead to legal issues. Additionally, administrators of platforms like WhatsApp have been warned to remove any illegal posts and will be held responsible for such content.
Concerns have emerged that the recent crackdown on cybersecurity might lead to unintended consequences for media freedom due to the law’s broad and imprecise wording.
Lorraine Mwanza, head of the Media Institute of Southern Africa’s Zambia branch, criticized the enforcement of certain sections of the cybersecurity law. She argues that these provisions could undermine freedoms of expression and media, allowing officials to misuse the law to their advantage.
Musa Mwenye, a former attorney general and current president of the Law Association of Zambia, has publicly opposed the government’s new regulations, voicing his concerns on social media.
Human rights advocate Juliet Chibuta has condemned the new measures as a breach of digital rights, stressing the importance of keeping online platforms open for free expression and access to information.
The Southern Africa Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes also criticized the new restrictions. Acting Executive Director Arthur Muyunda warned that these measures could further restrict civic space, which is already under pressure from existing laws. He urged the authorities to reconsider these actions to avoid stifling public discourse.
In 2022, a prominent human rights organization called for the repeal of restrictive laws, including the Public Order Act and the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act, which have been criticized for limiting freedoms such as assembly and expression in Zambia.