Parliament passes Cyber Bills despite reservations expressed by sections of civil society

Parliament has reportedly passed the Cyber Security Bill, 2024, and the Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024, at Third Reading, paving the way for their transmission to President Hakainde Hichilema for assent.

In a statement, Ministry of Technology and Science Principal Public Relations Officer, Iitongo Maboshe, described the passage of the Bills as a milestone in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen its cyber security framework and combat cybercrime.

She noted that the legislative process included extensive consultations after the Bills were deferred on December 5, 2024, to allow input from civil society, private sector players, and international partners.

Following these consultations, the Bills were presented before Parliament by Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, and Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu.

“Once assented to by President Hichilema, these laws will provide a comprehensive legal framework for protecting critical national infrastructure, securing digital transactions, and addressing emerging cyber threats while upholding human rights and freedoms in the digital space,” Maboshe said.

However, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) strongly opposed key provisions in the Bills, arguing that they pose risks to transparency, accountability, and fundamental human rights.

While the government introduced the Bills to replace the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021 and enhance digital security, CSOs raised concerns over vague provisions, excessive surveillance powers, and inadequate safeguards for press freedom, privacy, and freedom of expression.

They expressed disappointment that many of their recommendations to strengthen human rights protections were not adopted, warning that the Bills still lack critical safeguards to prevent abuse and government overreach.

The organizations opposing the Bills included MISA Zambia, BBC Media Action, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), Chapter One Foundation, Bloggers of Zambia, and the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC).

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