ZICTA warns against cyber bullying

THE Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) is concerned with continued cyber bullying and has warned internet uses to desist from the vice.

Cyber bullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

ZICTA Corporate Communications Officer Hanford Chaaba said it is unfortunate that social media was in some cases being misused by others targeting to attack individuals.

In an interview during the just-ended Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show in Lusaka, Mr Chaaba expressed concern that cyber bullying which is an infringement on the rights of people had continued.

Mr Chaaba observed that social media was being misused instead of being utilised for its intended purposes. He has advised those who fall victim to cyber bullying to report to relevant authorities so that action could be taken against perpetrators to discourage the vice.

“We have to admit the fact that the advent of social media has come with benefits and disadvantages and it is quite unfortunate that the way some users have handled it is different from the intended purpose,” Mr Chaaba said.

Mr Chaaba reminded social media users that the platform should be used to enhance life and for development purposes instead of using it against others.

He said it was unfortunate and sad that individuals were being targeted for cyber bullying adding that social media users had rights that everyone should respect.

Cyber bullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.