Cyber Security Act raping Zambia’s fundamental freedoms

By Daily Revelation Editor

The enactment of the Cyber Security Law by President Hakainde Hichilema’s government raises significant concerns regarding the infringement on freedom of expression. While the government argues that this legislation is essential for safeguarding national security, combating cybercrime, and protecting citizens from online threats, the implications for civil liberties cannot be overlooked.

The core of freedom of expression lies in the ability to share ideas, express opinions, and information freely without fear of censorship or retaliation. Any law that grants broad powers to regulate online activities is stifling dissent and silencing voices that criticize the government or challenge the status quo. This is particularly relevant in a digital age where social media and online platforms have become pivotal in fostering public discourse and political engagement.

Zambians concerns about misuse of the Cyber Security Law also loom large. The vagueness of this law without any slightest doubt will lead to arbitrary abuse of state power, allowing authorities to suppress legitimate expressions of opinion under the guise of maintaining cyber security. This will disproportionately affect us as journalists, activists, and citizens who rely on digital platforms to inform the public and advocate for a better society.

In a democracy like ours, the protection of freedom of expression is paramount. With this law in place, there’s no striking a balance between ensuring security and upholding the fundamental rights of its citizens, because clearly, the state is the jury & the judge.

Rather than imposing restrictive legislation, Hichilema’s administration should pursue collaborative methods to engage with technology stakeholders, civil society, the media, and the public to develop comprehensive policies that protect citizens without compromising their freedoms.

In most progressive nations, laws are crafted and implemented in a way that promotes safety while upholding the rights to free speech and expression. The voices of the Zambian people must be heard and protected in every sphere, including the digital realm.

Hichilema himself, while in opposition repeatedly denounced the Cyber Law that was enacted by his predecessor Edgar Lungu. It’s clear to us that Hichilema doesn’t seem bothered when reminded about the same wrong stuff he condemned during his many years as an opposition leader. If he did, he would actually not engage in them.

And to make matters worse, his blind political “Vuvuzelas”, popularly known as praise singers, are busy defending such outrageous, miscalculated self-serving legislation.

One wonders if they are really sound or mean well for this country. Were they actually voting for the same change which the other reasonable nationals voted for, because if they did they would be in the forefront criticising Hichilema for engaging in the same wrong things they denounced and voted the PF out of office for.

We therefore urge the President to reflect on this most dangerous law and rescind it.

Zambian voices are loud and clear, they are saying this law is raping their fundamental freedoms.

Hichilema must immediately abandon this useless law which has been imposed on Zambians – purely due lack of love, as he himself called the enactment of a similar law by the PF administration.

To borrow from his own utterances on this matter, this is an evil attempt by the UPND administration to degrade our democracy in an effort to hold on to power. The administration is seeking to spy on citizens through their devices in order to permanently end freedom of expression online, using Hichilema’s own arguments.

The administration can use it to target the people the administration despises in order to arrest them, and that by doing so the UPND is leading Zambia down a very dark road.

It can also be argued that the Cyber law that has been forced into the statute books is an indication of desperation and lack of love for Zambia.