Cybercrimes Bill debates continues Tuesday
PARLIAMENT yesterday deliberated on the proposed amendments of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill 2021, which includes a bevy of new laws around the sending of messages and electronic communications in Zambia.
Among the contentious provisions in the bill that stirred up heated debate among Parliamentarians include monitoring and interception of electronic communication as well as any other information using the internet.
Deliberating on the proposed amendments, UPND Chirundu MP, Douglas Syakalima asked Parliament to defer the bill saying the Cybersecurity bill was intended at taking away people’s rights.
Mr Syakalima said the bill has huge implications on freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and the right to privacy.
He said there was no need for the government to rush into enacting the bill into law especially as the country heads towards the general elections.
Mr Syakalima said while the bill contains progressive provisions particularly with regard to the cybersecurity of children, he noted several provisions that have the potential to facilitate and even enhance the wanton surveillance and censorship of members of the public through interception of communications.
But Minister of Transport and Communications, Mutotwe Kafwaya maintained that the introduction of the Bill was aimed at protecting citizens especially those who were incapable of defending themselves online in the cyber space.
He said that the Cyber Security bill will ensure that people who infringe upon other people’s freedom are dealt with by the provisions of this Bill.
Mr Kafwaya said it was unfortunate that some people like Mr Syakalima are misleading Zambians that the Cybersecurity bill is intended at taking away people’s rights when in fact it is aimed at enhancing their rights and protecting them from being abused on social media.
The Minister said no search of any cyber information will be done without legal excuse if the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill is enacted into law.
He stressed that there is no provision within the Cyber Security Bill that aims to shut down the Internet in response to social media abusers who were fond of slandering others.
Minister of Justice, Given Lubinda defended the bill, saying it is meant to protect people’s rights and not to take away any rights. Mr Lubinda said people should instead be happy that the bill will provide protection for people against any infringement of their rights.
He described the bill as progressive and that the government’s interest stems from its responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens as they communicate using online platforms.
The deliberations were interrupted and will continue next week on Tuesday.