Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Amendment Bill Now with Ministry of Justice for Drafting
Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science has transferred the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Amendment Bill to the Ministry of Justice for drafting. Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati announced the decision to revise the law to bolster the legal framework and foster a free internet society.
Minister Mutati stated that the Bill would proceed to a Parliamentary Committee after the Ministry of Justice’s review, moving forward in the legislative process. He assured Zambians that the country’s cyber space remains open for free expression, reflecting Zambia’s commitment to democratic values.
“We are determined to provide an inclusive internet that ensures freedom for all users,” said Mutati. Speaking through Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu at the 2024 Lusaka Internet Meet-Up, organized by Bloggers of Zambia, Mutati emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency in service delivery, drive innovation, and tackle complex challenges from predictive analytics in agriculture to personalized learning in education.”
Bloggers of Zambia CEO Richard Mulonga urged citizens to capitalize on the digitization of government services online, highlighting the accessibility of these services via the internet. He called for increased efforts to make the internet accessible to all.
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg expressed his country’s support for a free, open, and secure internet to uphold human rights. Hallenborg noted that human rights protections should be consistent both online and offline.
He also revealed that Swedish and Zambian Ambassadors to the United Nations will present a Global Digital Compact at the UN General Assembly in September, aiming to secure the internet and promote AI.
European Union Charge d’Affaires Matthias Heusing commended Zambia’s strides toward digitalization, particularly the 2023 launch of the digitalization agenda and the forthcoming Cyber Security Agency.
He affirmed the EU’s readiness to support Zambia’s digital goals, leveraging their expertise and resources to enhance digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and foster an inclusive digital economy.
