By SIMON MUNTEMBA
IT is disappointing that despite President Edgar Lungu having assented into law the Cyber Security and Cyber Bill of 2021, some disgruntled individuals have continued abusing the cyber space with impunity, says the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD).
CTPD Legal researcher, Chileshe Mange expressed concern that videos of hate speech bordering on cybercrime were being posted with impunity on social media platforms with impunity.
Ms Mange said it was sad that some politicians peddling hate speech have not been charged with cyber-crime in line with Cyber Security Act of 2021.
Ms Mange questioned why authorities have turned a blind eye on enforcing the Cyber Security Act of 2021 to politicians using disparaging remarks.
She noted with concern that certain politicians who have made derogatory comments directed at specific tribes or groups of people have not been brought to book.
Ms Mange said although what constitutes hate speech is subject to interpretation, the implementation of digital security laws ahead of the August 12 General Elections is a source of concern.
“This brings into question the fairness and uniformity with which the law will be implemented especially given the concerns that were raised by civil society organizations and other stakeholders about the Cyber Security Act curtailing freedom of expression,” she said.
She said there is urgent need for the Government to enforce the law and bring sanity in the way the internet is used in Zambia.
She explained that the Cyber Security Act provisions allow interception of communication are in conflict with the Data Protection Act No. 3 of 2021 which has specific guidelines for the manner in which data, such as personal information, should be stored, processed and managed.
“This lack of harmonization between the provisions in the statutes may present challenges in implementing and enforcing the law, especially as the country prepares to vote in the General Elections scheduled for 12 August 2021,” Ms. Mange said.
In the second quarter of 2021, government enacted legislation that regulates cyber security as well as the storage, processing, and protection of electronic data in relation to private and corporate citizens.
President Lungu earlier this year assented into law the Cyber Security and Cyber Bill of 2021 to bring sanity in the way the internet is used in Zambia.
