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In a joint press briefing, the Zambian government has announced a significant crackdown on the misuse of social media, invoking Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, and the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, who emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing online hate speech, propaganda, defamation, and the abuse of children.
The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021, particularly Section 54, provides for a stringent penalty of up to five years imprisonment for individuals found guilty of such offenses. The government will not tolerate any form of online misconduct that threatens the peace and security of the nation. The law is clear, and those who flout it will face the full wrath of the law stated Minister Mutati.
This section of the Act, which is central to the government’s current efforts, addresses crimes related to online communications, including the spread of hate speech, dissemination of propaganda, and other forms of cyber-related misconduct. The law empowers the government to take decisive action against those who misuse online platforms.
The government’s crackdown extends beyond individuals to include administrators of WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. These administrators are being reminded of their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of allowing illegal or harmful content to be shared within their groups. “WhatsApp group administrators must curtail postings that are illegal and in bad faith, as they will be held responsible for the publication of such information. This move aims to curtail the spread of misinformation and illegal content at its source. Those who manage online groups must actively moderate content to ensure compliance with the law. Failure to do so could result in legal action against them, potentially leading to imprisonment under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.
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To bolster its efforts, the Zambian government has heavily invested in cyberinfrastructure designed to detect and track down individuals who engage in spreading falsehoods or scamming others online.
This advanced cyberinfrastructure allows for real-time monitoring of online activities, enabling the government to swiftly identify and apprehend those involved in illegal activities. The ministers reassured the public that these measures are not only punitive but also protective, aimed at ensuring that Zambia’s cyberspace remains safe and secure for all users.
