Reported By: The Agency Media.
Date: 20th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a press briefing held at the Anderson Ngabela Mazoka UPND National Secretariat, UPND Media Director Mr Mark Simuuwe championed the Cybersecurity and Cyber Crimes Act as a progressive legal framework designed to safeguard Zambians in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Addressing various aspects of the law, Mr. Simuuwe positioned the legislation not as a tool for suppression, but as a necessary instrument for national protection, digital rights awareness, and international cooperation.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Simuuwe underscored that legal frameworks must evolve alongside society, particularly in response to technological advancements that are redefining how people communicate and interact. “Laws cannot remain static,” he noted, “especially when digital platforms are now central to both personal and public life.”
The Cybersecurity Act, which traces its development back to 2018, was described as a “forward-looking mechanism” aimed at shielding citizens from threats such as identity theft, cyberbullying, and the exploitation of minors online. Simuuwe emphasized that its goal is to create a safe digital environment, not to curtail freedoms.
He further outlined the need for modern legal safeguards to address the shift from physical to electronic interaction, warning that the lack of updated regulation would leave both individuals and institutions vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats.
Touching on the regional dimension, Mr. Simuuwe called for enhanced collaboration among African nations, pointing out that cybercrime transcends borders. He cited ongoing discussions under regional conventions aimed at harmonizing responses to digital threats.
On the issue of social media, he acknowledged its powerful role in modern communication but warned of its dangers, including disinformation, identity fraud, and misuse of personal content. Simuuwe advocated for tighter oversight and accountability, without stifling free expression.
Addressing public concerns, he assured that the legislation respects constitutional rights, emphasizing that it is not intended to suppress free speech or press freedom. “This law seeks to protect, not to punish,” he said, encouraging Zambians to read and understand the law to make informed judgments.
Referencing international benchmarks, Simuuwe pointed to examples from South Africa and the United States, stating that Zambia must adopt global best practices to remain secure and digitally competent.
A significant portion of his briefing focused on protecting vulnerable populations, especially children, from online exploitation and trafficking. He stressed that proactive legislation is vital to shield those most at risk in the digital age.
In a final appeal, Mr. Simuuwe called for responsible digital citizenship, urging all Zambians to use online platforms ethically and support national efforts to ensure a safer cyberspace.
The briefing painted a clear picture: Zambia’s cybersecurity legislation is not merely reactive but strategically positioned to address both current and future challenges, placing citizens’ safety and digital dignity at its core.
The Agency.