THE ZAMBIAN CYBER SECURITY ACTS AND YOU
THROUGHOUT October as part of the cyber security awareness month, a series of weekly articles will be developed explaining how the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act and the Data Protection Act, affect you as an individual, and various sectors of the economy.
What is the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act?
The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act 2021 was enacted in Zambia on April 1, 2021, it was introduced to promote the responsible use of cyber space.
It is aimed at tackling digital or cybercrime and to ensure the responsible use of social media platforms.
The following are the objectives of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act:
(a) Ensure the provision of cyber security in the country.
(b) Provide for the protection of persons against cyber- crime.
(c) Provide for child online protection.
(d) Facilitate identification, declaration and protection of critical information infrastructure.
(e) Provide for the collection of and preservation of evidence of computer and network related crime.
(f) Revise the admission, in criminal matters, of electronic evidence.
(g) Provide for registration of cyber security services providers.
(h) Provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.
What is the Data Protection Act?
It is an Act to provide an effective system for the use and protection of personal data; regulate the collection, use, transmission, storage and otherwise processing of personal data.
Due to the evolving nature of information and communication technology and the need to protect the privacy of the individual, the Data Protection
Act was enacted on April 1, 2021.
The Act and you!
With the growth of digital migration in Zambia, it is important that we are aware of the threats and many cybercrimes (individual, property, and government) that come with a growing technological world and measures that can be taken to mitigate them.
It is very cardinal to have in place Cybercrime law in a country as it identifies standards of acceptable behaviour for Information and Communication Technology users.
It lays out rules of conduct and standards of behaviour for the use of the internet, computers and related digital technologies, and the actions of the public, government and private organisations in the cyber space.
Many people are unaware of what exactly the Act highlights and how it may affect the public. Some have expressed fear that it may be a hindrance to freedom of expression and the right to privacy.
However, the government has attested to the Act helping to battle cybercrime. The Data Protection Act contains a set of principles that organisations, government and businesses have to adhere to to keep people’s data accurate, safe, secure and lawful.
Many sectors such as banking and financial services, health, transport and communication, defence and national security, energy, insurance, education, taxation, and mining are directly impacted.
Yet they raise important questions such as, should they be repealed? Are they important or relevant? Was it meant to silence the freedoms of expression? What are the benefits of both Acts, how are ordinary Zambian is affected?
And many other important questions that will be answered, during the forthcoming Cyber Security awareness month of October as stated, with the theme “Do Your Part.”
We will be dedicating ourselves to breaking down and writing articles about the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act as well as the
Data Protection Act to give the general public a better understanding and insight of what these two acts really speak to and how they impact Zambians.
We urge you to stay glued and engaged as we breakdown various and important aspects, please state your reviews and comments on the series that will be running as we all look forward in doing our part in protecting ourselves from cyber security threats, Remember Cybersecurity awareness is a shared responsibility, do your part to remain cyber safe.
BeCybersmart.
Muchimba Simuyuni Digital Media Specialist | Digital Safe Limited email: info@ digitalsafezm.com | m: +260 763885563 / 0763885564 Number 11 Reedbuck Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka, Zambia www.digitalsafezm.com