Cyber law reforms target online crimes, not free speech —Simuuwe

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has dismissed allegations by opposition political parties that the amended Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes law is intended to invade citizens’ privacy, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe, urged the public to take time to read and understand the legislation instead of falling prey to misinformation and propaganda.

Speaking at a media briefing held on Sunday at the Anderson Kambele Mazoka Secretariat in Lusaka, Simuuwe reaffirmed government’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of all citizens.

“This will be done while ensuring national security in the digital space,” Simuuwe said.

He encouraged stakeholders, including civil society and the media, to engage in constructive dialogue and contribute to the ongoing digital policy reforms.

Simuuwe assured the nation that the UPND government had no intention of using the law to suppress dissent or unlawfully monitor citizens but instead to maintain order and protect digital infrastructure.

“The purpose of the amended law is to provide clearer interpretation and to protect citizens from online abuse, cyberbullying, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime,” he said.

He clarified that the Cyber Law was first enacted in 2018 under the Patriotic Front (PF) administration, and that the current government had only amended certain clauses to reflect the evolving digital landscape.

“Individuals who have been arrested for cyber-related offences were charged under the same law enacted in 2018 by then-President Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” Simuuwe stated.

He emphasized that the recently signed Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes (Amendment) Bill was not a new piece of legislation but rather a refinement of the existing law.

According to Simuuwe, the amendments were made to eliminate provisions that previously infringed on individual rights and freedoms.

“Zambia is not alone in this legislative path. Countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nigeria, and Malawi have also enacted similar laws,” he said.

Simuuwe noted that with the majority of activities shifting to the digital space, there was an urgent need to strengthen legal frameworks to ensure the safety and security of citizens online.

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