Zambia’s Cyber Security Act: Government clarifies surveillance measures amid international concerns, emphasizing legal safeguards and addressing privacy implications.
Zambia’s Cyber Security Act: Government clarifies surveillance measures amid international concerns, as officials respond to apprehensions regarding potential privacy infringements.
Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe declared that the newly implemented Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act does not authorize surveillance without limits.
Any communication monitoring under the law demands a court-ordered warrant to maintain individual privacy rights and exercise legal oversight.
The government issued this announcement after the U.S. Embassy in Zambia released warning statements to its American citizens.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies whose operations span Zambia must intercept all electronic communications according to the embassy but the embassy believes “critical information” remains too unclear to define specific activities.
Minister Haimbe restated that the law exists to boost digital safety alongside cyber protection measures without any intention of violating personal rights.
The minister asked stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the legal security measures that exist in the Act because they create equilibrium between national security needs and personal privacy.
The Government maintains its dedication to democratic values during the development of digital governance as it handles emerging cybersecurity challenges.