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In a joint press conference, the Zambian government announced that it will crack down on the misuse of social media under Section 54 of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act No. 2 of 2021. The announcement was made by Science and Technology Minister Felix Mutati and Internal Affairs Minister Jack Mwimbu, who stressed the government’s commitment to curbing online hate speech, propaganda, defamation and child abuse.
Crack down on cybercrime
Section 2, specifically Section 54 of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act, 2021, provides for severe penalties of up to five years in prison for individuals found guilty of such offences. Minister Mutati stressed the seriousness of the situation and said: “The government will not tolerate any form of cyber misconduct that threatens the peace and security of our country. The law is clear and those who flout it will face the full force of the law.”
This section of the bill is at the heart of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle crimes associated with online communications, including the dissemination of hate speech, the spread of propaganda and other forms of online misconduct. The law empowers the government to take decisive action against those who abuse online platforms, with Minister Mwimbu warning: “There is no place for bad actors online to hide; we will find you and bring you to justice.”
Impact on social media users and group administrators
The government’s crackdown is not just targeting individuals, but also administrators of WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. The government is reminding these administrators of their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of allowing illegal or harmful content to be shared within their groups. “WhatsApp group administrators must restrict illegal and malicious posts as they will be held accountable for posting such messages,” warned Minister Mutati. The move is aimed at curbing the spread of false information and illegal content at the source.
The government’s position is clear: those who manage online groups must actively review content to ensure compliance with the law. Failure to do so could result in them being subject to legal action and possible jail time under the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act.
Investing in network infrastructure
To strengthen its crackdown, the Zambian government has invested heavily in cyber infrastructure designed to detect and track those who spread false information or defraud others online. This investment highlights the seriousness of the government’s attitude towards cybercrime and its determination to protect citizens from digital harm. “Scammers cause mental and physical harm to their victims, and the government is doing everything it can to protect the public from such abuse,” said Minister Mwimbu.
This advanced cyber infrastructure enables real-time monitoring of online activity, allowing the government to quickly identify and arrest those involved in illegal activities. Ministers assured the public that these measures are not only punitive but also protective and are aimed at ensuring that Zambia’s cyberspace remains safe for all users.
Call for responsible use of cyberspace
The government also called on all Zambian citizens to become advocates of responsible online behavior. In his speech, Minister Mutati urged citizens to be wary of fake news, misinformation and propaganda, encouraging them to report any such content to the authorities. “We urge all citizens to become passionate advocates of responsible use of cyberspace. Let us all do our part to maintain a safe and respectful online environment,” he said.
The call to action reflects the government’s broader strategy to foster a culture of responsibility among social media users. By encouraging citizens to actively participate in protecting digital spaces, the government hopes to create a more informed and respectful online community.
In conclusion, the invocation of Section 54 of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act by the Zambian government marks an important step in regulating online behavior and protecting citizens from cyber-related harms. As the government continues to strengthen cyber infrastructure and law enforcement, Zambians are urged to abide by the legal norms and contribute to a safer and more secure online environment.
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