The US embassy in Zambia has issued an alert over a new cybersecurity law that enables extensive surveillance and interception of electronic communications, raising concerns over privacy and freedom of expression.
US Issues Alert Over Zambia's New Controversial Cybersecurity Law
US Issues Alert Over Zambia's New Controversial Cybersecurity Law
The US warns citizens to exercise caution due to Zambia's intrusive new cybersecurity regulations.
The US embassy in Zambia has raised alarms about a new cybersecurity law described as "intrusive," alerting its citizens to the implications for their privacy and freedom of expression. The law mandates the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications—encompassing calls, emails, texts, and streamed content—to assess whether they transmit "critical information," a term that is vaguely defined and could encompass no small variety of activities.
Zambia's government claims the law aims to combat online fraud and the dissemination of child pornography, along with curbing disinformation. In response to the US embassy's advisory, the Zambian foreign ministry issued a statement assuring both locals and foreigners that the law is not meant to violate individual privacy rights. "The law does not authorize mass or random surveillance. Any interception or data request requires a court-issued warrant," it emphasized, clarifying that the term 'critical information' pertains strictly to national security matters.
However, growing concerns exist that the law could easily be wielded against political dissent, particularly with elections looming next year. Activists fear that a new cybersecurity office will further extend governmental reach into private lives. Provisions within the law empower law enforcement to search premises for computers necessary to prove a required offense; individuals found lacking compliance could face jail terms ranging from five to 15 years, along with monetary fines.
Signed into law by President Hakainde Hichilema on April 8 with minimal publicity, many Zambians became aware of the legislation only following the US embassy's alert on social media. This remark from the embassy caught many off-guard, especially given the typically favorable relations enjoyed between the US and Hichilema's administration, although recent critiques on government corruption have surfaced.
In a reaction laden with irony, social commentator Laura Miti criticized the US stance as hypocritical, citing Edward Snowden's revelations about US surveillance. Nonetheless, she condemned Zambia's new cybersecurity law as "tyrannical," suggesting it reflects the current administration's insecurity.
Formerly opposed to similar legislation during his time in the political opposition, Hichilema now stands accused of reversing his position. Opposition lawmaker Miles Sampa took to social media to question the president's motivations, observing, "In the current state of the Cyber Laws that you have assented to... you may as well also sign a martial law to discard democracy."
For further updates, stay tuned to metaworld.media for insights into the evolving situation in Zambia and other global developments.
Zambia's government claims the law aims to combat online fraud and the dissemination of child pornography, along with curbing disinformation. In response to the US embassy's advisory, the Zambian foreign ministry issued a statement assuring both locals and foreigners that the law is not meant to violate individual privacy rights. "The law does not authorize mass or random surveillance. Any interception or data request requires a court-issued warrant," it emphasized, clarifying that the term 'critical information' pertains strictly to national security matters.
However, growing concerns exist that the law could easily be wielded against political dissent, particularly with elections looming next year. Activists fear that a new cybersecurity office will further extend governmental reach into private lives. Provisions within the law empower law enforcement to search premises for computers necessary to prove a required offense; individuals found lacking compliance could face jail terms ranging from five to 15 years, along with monetary fines.
Signed into law by President Hakainde Hichilema on April 8 with minimal publicity, many Zambians became aware of the legislation only following the US embassy's alert on social media. This remark from the embassy caught many off-guard, especially given the typically favorable relations enjoyed between the US and Hichilema's administration, although recent critiques on government corruption have surfaced.
In a reaction laden with irony, social commentator Laura Miti criticized the US stance as hypocritical, citing Edward Snowden's revelations about US surveillance. Nonetheless, she condemned Zambia's new cybersecurity law as "tyrannical," suggesting it reflects the current administration's insecurity.
Formerly opposed to similar legislation during his time in the political opposition, Hichilema now stands accused of reversing his position. Opposition lawmaker Miles Sampa took to social media to question the president's motivations, observing, "In the current state of the Cyber Laws that you have assented to... you may as well also sign a martial law to discard democracy."
For further updates, stay tuned to metaworld.media for insights into the evolving situation in Zambia and other global developments.
