In a joint press briefing, the Zambian government has announced a significant crackdown on the misuse of social media, invoking Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021. The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, alongside the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, who emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing online hate speech, propaganda, defamation, and the abuse of children.
Tough Stance on Cyber Crimes
The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021, particularly Section 54, provides for a stringent penalty of up to five years imprisonment for individuals found guilty of such offenses. Minister Mutati stressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The government will not tolerate any form of online misconduct that threatens the peace and security of our nation. The law is clear, and those who flout it will face the full wrath of the law.”
This section of the Act, which is central to the government’s current efforts, addresses crimes related to online communications, including the spread of hate speech, dissemination of propaganda, and other forms of cyber-related misconduct. The law empowers the government to take decisive action against those who misuse online platforms, with Minister Mwiimbu warning, “There is no place to hide for wrongdoers online; we will find you and bring you to justice.”
Implications for Social Media Users and Group Administrators
The government’s crackdown extends beyond individuals to include administrators of WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. These administrators are being reminded of their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of allowing illegal or harmful content to be shared within their groups. “WhatsApp group administrators must curtail postings that are illegal and in bad faith, as they will be held responsible for the publication of such information,” cautioned Minister Mutati. This move aims to curtail the spread of misinformation and illegal content at its source.
The government’s stance is clear: those who manage online groups must actively moderate content to ensure compliance with the law. Failure to do so could result in legal action against them, potentially leading to imprisonment under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.
Investing in Cyber Infrastructure
To bolster its efforts, the Zambian government has heavily invested in cyber infrastructure designed to detect and track down individuals who engage in spreading falsehoods or scamming others online. This investment underscores the seriousness with which the government views cybercrime and its determination to protect citizens from digital harm. “Scammers cause emotional and physical harm to their victims, and the government is doing everything possible to protect the public from such abuse,” said Minister Mwiimbu.
This advanced cyber infrastructure allows for real-time monitoring of online activities, enabling the government to swiftly identify and apprehend those involved in illegal activities. The ministers reassured the public that these measures are not only punitive but also protective, aimed at ensuring that Zambia’s cyberspace remains safe and secure for all users.
A Call for Responsible Use of Cyberspace
The government is also calling on all Zambian citizens to become champions of responsible online behavior. In his address, Minister Mutati urged citizens to be vigilant against fake news, misinformation, and propaganda, encouraging them to report any such content to the authorities. “We urge all citizens to be impassioned advocates of responsible use of cyberspace. Let us all play our part in maintaining a safe and respectful online environment,” he said.
This call to action reflects the government’s broader strategy of fostering a culture of responsibility among social media users. By encouraging citizens to take an active role in safeguarding the digital space, the government hopes to create a more informed and respectful online community.
In conclusion, the Zambian government’s invocation of Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act marks a significant step in its efforts to regulate online behavior and protect citizens from cyber-related harms. As the government continues to enhance its cyber infrastructure and enforce the law, Zambians are being urged to adhere to legal guidelines and contribute to a safer, more secure online environment.
Mutati is one of the useless Politicians and his Ministry is just a white elephant just wasting tax payers money
Unip, MMD, PF, Upnd. Where next will be be.
After we bring into power and you unleash threats on us.
You Watchdogs…
Field Ruwe will be first to be arrested because he went against these guys, after helping them insult Sata to death.
– Do remember that guy in UK with Larry who was on online day and night?
– You forget what that ambassador now in Australia used, online campaign.
I apologize for helping you take power from PF thugs.
Lo and behold Napoleon leader of the government of pigs stood up and told its citizens “We have listened to your demands. We will remove this draconian law of “Defamation of the President” and replace it with the more draconian law of “Cyber Security”. The cheering Snowball then leaned over to Boxer and whispered “How are we doing in this game of give with one hand and take with the other?” Boxer replied.
“Better than the previous government of Mr Jones. We are becoming experts at deception”
Napoleon then interjected “That means the chair is stuck to my buttocks ka?”
Lets find lasting solution to address loadshedding and stop shifting goal posts
Bring the rain
@Lameck Banda. I thought you guys had a solution rain or no rain? What a shame.
When the country has been brought to its knees by Zesco then the crying will start
Its always the case
GRZ should announce Freedom of speech has been withdrawn and that solves that issue
instead of threats
Lake Kariba’s Water Levels Plummet, Forcing Hydropower Shutdown in Zambia
The country is in the dark and all these morons can think about is suppressing it citizens. Sort out electricity and rotten mealie meal. Sort out the economy and people will have something better to use social media for.
Ask chimbwi et. al to bring back millions of dollars stashed in accounts abroad so that we import electricity.
Draconian overreach. Just as the country responded to the abuses under PF, so will it respond to these absurd attempts to stifle our checks and balances on the Government. UPND is heading to a one-term government, and all those Police officers engaged in illegal activities on behalf of Mwiimbu and his hang will undoubtedly face stiff investigations and legal action for breaching the the constitutional rights of Zambians.
The K2million Kwacha placed on JJ’s head is not meant for one person.The police is just encouraging unemployed youths to form cooperatives, borrow “Kaloba” and go hunting for JJ hiding amongst the members of Umodzi Kumawa.If they catch him,then they split the 2 million seven ways.If they dont catch him within 6 months,its their loss and prepare for the bailiffs.
Deja Fooool,your artisanal mining business is currently on the rocks.Form a cooperative of bounty hunters
Failing to catch online scammers but you want to invoke cyber security act.
Anyone know the websites that have annoyed Vladmwiimbu Lenin? I just want to see what they are writing and how different it is from other websites on Zambia
Many countries have similary passed Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts.
You cant just wake up start insulting the president in Botswana.
Imwe mu Zambia you think that the Act is an oppressive move but you forget that there are crimes done online which can result in your Bank account being exposed and your savings disappearing.
Katana.You are just wasting your time with Deja Foool and the Wailers.They are all dunderheads on keyboards
#Katana come down to earth. When you are on earth ask Hakainde why he referred to the ambitions of his former president (ECL)to come back to power as “ Kutumpa” when you get the answer share with us on this platform. I think the president of Botswana does not project himself as the alpha and omega of Botswana despite the fact that he is much more educated and wiser than most of his peers in the sub region.
Yes Noone stops you from migrating. you can go become a citizen of Botswana since you admire their cyber laws. We want to stay in Zambia so we will fight cyber censorers here whether they be UPND or any other party
Nobody insults HH. Just to say please give us Zesco power as you promised is an insult warranting someone to be arrested?
UPND GRZ Officials trying to silence and instil fear in all the citizens, nevertheless it will never work. Allow the people to speak, long time we used to speak and complain via music remember the song ‘mulunde fimbi mutubwesesheko ubunga fwebanda’ nowadays social media is the way to complain. Just work bo Mutati more especially that you are known to be a very talkative Chap and no action at all. Elo bonse pamo naba mudala ba Jack Mwambo has never impressed the people of Zambia for real.
Hahaha and this is coming from Felix Mutati. Can someone tell these guys to work and improve the economy. These threats are typical of all outgoing Govts. What is hate speech, is telling the Govt that you have failed hate speech? Is telling Hovt that you have made a mistake by selling the maize and buying substandard maize substandard? Common
How are you going to enforce cybersecurity without power?
These foo1s clearly don’t understand that Zambians have the right to freedom of speech which is an internationally protected right. Zambians have a right to talk and share views online and offline, and if anyone feels libeled, they can always sue. It’s characteristic of autocratic governments to censor and regulate what people can and cannot say. These id1ots forget that they came into power because the Zambian people used Social media to bring down the corrupt PF administration. Evidently they’re trying to divert attention from their failure of running the country and collapsing the economy. Let the Zambians freely talk, you dictators wannabe.