Cyber laws are not about spying on people but protecting digital systems – Cyber security experts
IN RECENT days, Zambia has found itself at the center of a heated debate over the country’s newly introduced Cyber security Act No. 23 of 2025 and Cybercrimes Act No. 4 of 2025.
The government maintains that the laws are designed to strengthen national security, protect critical digital infrastructure, and enhance the country’s ability to combat cybercrime.
However, other stakeholders are expressing fear that the government will now have the power to secretly monitor private conversations and messages, but experts have argued that this is a misunderstanding of the law’s true intent.
During the ZNBC’s special edition of Sunday Interview, cyber security experts clarified the intent and implications of the new legislation, amidst growing concerns that the laws may pave the way for state surveillance.
Cyber security consultant, Taunga Chisamanga, explained that while the laws do grant the government some powers to intercept communications in cases of emergency, there is no blanket permission for spying on ordinary citizens.
“The law doesn’t allow for random surveillance. What it does allow is lawful interception, but only when there is clear evidence of a threat, and even then, it requires approval from a judge,” Chisamanga said.
“It’s about protecting the country from serious digital threats, not about spying on everyday people.”
Furthermore, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Association of Zambia President, Clement Sinyangwe, emphasised that while it’s understandable for people to be cautious about privacy, the laws themselves are not designed to infringe on personal freedoms as they aim to create a safe and secure digital environment for everyone.
“These laws are not about spying on people. They’re about protecting Zambia’s most important digital systems,” Sinyangwe explained.
“Any action to intercept communications is strictly regulated, with clear procedures and judicial oversight.”
Meanwhile, Socialist Party (SP) Secretary-General, Cosmas Musumali, accused the government of weaponising laws and state institutions to suppress opposition voices, warning that Zambia’s democracy was in serious trouble.
Speaking on Prime TV’s Oxygen of Democracy programme last night, Musumali said the denial of rally permits and arrests of party members for holding internal meetings signals an alarming trend that undermines Zambia’s democratic credentials.
He further accused the ruling party of hypocrisy over the newly enacted Cyber Security Act legislation and believes it is designed to silence criticism and entrench power, not to protect citizens.
“The cyber laws they rejected themselves when they were in opposition. And today, they were the first ones that got them and are implementing them.”
“Because they have failed to deliver, they are now resorting to repression in order to consolidate power,” claimed Musumali.
By George Musonda
