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The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has urged President Hakainde Hichilema not to sign into law the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bills, warning they pose a threat to civil liberties.
In a letter dated April 5, 2025, MISA Regional Governing Council Chairperson, Jeremias Langa, said the bills, passed by Parliament on March 31, fall short of international human rights standards.
While acknowledging the need to combat cybercrime and enhance national security, Langa stressed the importance of balancing these efforts with the protection of fundamental freedoms.
“A human rights-centric approach is essential,” he said. “As currently drafted, the two Cyber Bills lack adequate safeguards and grant excessive powers to the executive.”
MISA, which has chapters in eight Southern African countries, said the proposed laws promote mass surveillance and fail to provide sufficient protections against abuse.
The organization raised alarm over Section 21 of the Cyber Security Bill, which proposes the creation of a central monitoring centre.
The bills also allow law enforcement to intercept communications, enter premises, and retrieve data without proper checks and balances.
“What is particularly chilling,” Langa said, “is the potential for these powers to be used to target journalists, lawyers, activists, and political opponents.”
MISA called for surveillance measures to be subject to judicial oversight, with interception warrants that are both time-bound and purpose-specific.
The organization urged President Hichilema to delay assent until the human rights concerns are addressed.
“If necessary, return the bills to the legislature so it can correct these deficiencies and implement safeguards that protect citizens from abuse,” Langa advised.
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