The recently introduced cyber-security law in Zambia has sparked concern among citizens and international observers, particularly the US embassy in the country. The US embassy issued a warning to American citizens in Zambia, stating that the new law requires the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications in the country, including calls, emails, texts, and streamed content. The embassy expressed worries that the law’s broad definition of “critical information” could potentially apply to almost any activity, raising concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.
In response to the alert from the US embassy, Zambia’s foreign ministry released a statement emphasizing that the Cyber Security Act was not intended to invade anyone’s privacy, whether Zambians or foreigners. The ministry clarified that any interception or data request would require a court-issued warrant, and the classification of “critical information” was related to national security and would be handled by authorized institutions in accordance with due process. Despite these assurances, there are fears that the law could be used to target individuals critical of the government, especially with elections approaching next year.
Many Zambians have expressed apprehension about the establishment of a new cyber-security unit in the president’s office, with concerns that the law could stifle freedom of expression and civil liberties. Joan Chirwa, founder of the Free Press Initiative Zambia campaign group, described it as a “sad day for Zambia,” warning that the law would impact all citizens, not just journalists or civil society organizations. The law grants law enforcement officers the power to search and seize electronic devices, as well as the authority to extradite individuals who have committed offenses under the legislation.
President Hakainde Hichilema signed the Cyber Security Act into law in April, prompting criticism from civil rights activists and opposition lawmakers. Laura Miti accused the US embassy of hypocrisy for raising concerns about the law, pointing out the US government’s own surveillance practices revealed by Edward Snowden. However, she also condemned the law as tyrannical, questioning the government’s motives for enacting such legislation. Hichilema, who had previously opposed a similar law while in opposition, has faced criticism for signing the bill as president, with some accusing him of backtracking on his earlier stance on freedom of expression.
Opposition lawmaker Miles Sampa criticized Hichilema for signing a law that he believes restricts citizens’ ability to express themselves online without fear of imprisonment. Sampa raised concerns about the potential impact of the law on democracy and freedom of speech in Zambia, calling on the president to reconsider the legislation’s implications. The controversy surrounding the Cyber Security Act highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and safeguarding civil liberties in the digital age, raising important questions about the protection of privacy and freedom of expression in Zambia and beyond.