By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development has expressed concerned over the implementation of digital security laws ahead of the August 12th General Elections.
In the second quarter of 2021, the Government of the Republic of Zambia enacted legislation that regulates cyber security as well as the protection of electronic data in relation to private and corporate citizens.
CTPD Researcher Legal Chileshe Mange said the Cyber Security Act was enacted primarily to provide for the protection of persons against cyber crime.
Ms Mange said the legislation also provides for broader crimes such as hate speech and other forms of abuse on social media.
She said CTPD has noted that certain politicians who have made derogatory comments directed at specific tribes or groups of people have not been brought to book.
Ms Mange said the question of fairness and uniformity with which the law will be implemented comes in.
She said the lack of harmonization between the provisions in the statutes may present challenges in implementing and enforcing the law, as the country prepares to vote in the General Elections.
Ms Mange said CTPD calls for increased collaboration between the institutions tasked with the regulation of cyber space and digital communication
“The involvement of civil society organizations will ensure checks and balances in so far as ensuring uniformity in application of the law she said.
