Richard Mulonga CEO Blogger of Zambia
Bloggers of Zambia notes and commends Cabinet’s approval of the National Cyber Security Policy, however, we would like to caution that the strategy must not be used to target and infringe on citizen activities online.
In as much as we recognise the need for enhanced internet legislation to make the online spaces safe and secure for all, there is need for these laws and policies to be democratic, specific and must enhance online rights and freedoms, rather than used to silence citizen voices online.
Further, we recognise that we are heading towards a highly contested election and the internet has become an area of interest especially in the era of misinformation and the spread of harmful content, therefore, the proposed policy must not be used as a tool to usher in laws that silence critical voices on social media.
Sadly, and we have noted with concern how the term ‘abuse of social media’ has been weaponised and is being used to inspire the enactment of laws that can be used to target citizen voices on social media.
We would like to make a clarion call for the enactment of appropriate internet laws and policies that must be in line with regional and international norms and standards such as the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) of the European Union.
In as much as we agree that there is wrong-doing online, we have noted the growing intolerance against citizen voices that are merely debating public matters and speaking truth to power using online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
In the era of Covid-19 restrictions that encourage digital access rather than physical interaction, we call for the enactment of laws and policies that must encourage affordable internet access, including safety and security mechanisms especially for women and girls who suffer cyber offences.
Our concern is that the process of building internet laws and policies in Zambia has been leaning heavily towards government institutions, and this is against the internet governance approach of multi-stakeholderism.
We call on the government through the Justice Minister and other relevant government ministries not to rush the process of ICT law and policy formulation in order to get adequate input from stakeholders.
The current rush and scanty stakeholder participation in the enactment of internet law has perpetuated current speculation that there are intentions to gag the internet during the period leading to election day as seen in other countries such as Uganda, Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The internet must be left open and accessible for all especially during elections because the social media platforms empower citizens with inclusive avenues for debate, sharing opinions and ideas and scrutinising those aspiring for public office.
In addition to this, we call upon all Zambians to engage in meaningful conversations that add value to our democracy, rather than use the online spaces for spreading harmful content that has the potential to disrupt societal norms and standards.
Who is this mulonga who has given himself title as representative of bloggers? This man is a useless upnd cadre based in diaspora. Everyone knows that it is his fellow upnd diaaporans who abuse social media and the internet to spread lies and insults against our government. Let them be warned that their days are numbered. Let them ask Larry mweetwa what happened when he showed his ugly face here. Also today the f00l insulted our president has been sentenced to a year in prison.
The Hague is calling
@Kaizer, yaaa who the fvck is this Richard?? The idyot is comparing our smart Zambia to Uganda, Congo and Zimbabwe. This is some piece of sh!t of a CEO.
People like Pilato would be the leading Presidential candidates in Uganda.
Zambia has likes of HH, KBF, Mmembe, Chishala Kateka, Kalaba, Edgar … list of smart people in that order, are our aspiring candidates, how can you compare us to those backward piece uncivilized countries?
If those activities pose a threat to national security then there must be a restriction somehow to abate that threat
We need private prosecutor bane, for the controversial award of $17million tender to Honeybee Pharmacy to supply and deliver health centre kits to the Ministry of Health as it deepens.
It has emerged that Ministry of Health awarded a company in June 2020 when it was only registered in September 2020.
There’s always a way in which the state will endeavour to protect it’s citizens and the country as a whole if need arrives
The internet needs to remain open during elections especially for purposes of transparency/PVT.
The state has a duty to protect every Zambian if they feel their lives have been threatened
WHAT ELECTIONS ??????????????
THERE ARE PLANS TO DELAY Due to Covid and GIVE MORE TIME FOR LUNCH MONEY
Stop copying undemocratic traits from Uganda and Zimbabwe
In a letter seen by news agencies on Tuesday, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Irene Sewankambo ordered telecommunications companies to “immediately suspend any access and use” of social media and online messaging platforms.
BaLusaka Times stop tempering with the likes again, how does on move from 3 likes to 0.
Jj zero likes Haha. I feel pity so I have given you a ka like
Thanks KZ for your generosity and thoughtfulness
Just wondering !!!!
Is Airtel Zambia changing to Cell C
If u are using Android phone go to “settings” then tap “Network & internet”
Under “Mobile Network” u will see
“Airtel Zambia Cell C”
We only have ourselves to blame if we stoop so low as to let the people we put in power, tasked to serve our beloved country..prohibit the use of electronic media platforms such as internet and social media.
They’re companies that are wholly reliant on making a living via the internet and if their source of income is interrupted by greedy power hungry politicians would be unfortunate.
Level the playing ground and let the people judge you legitimately without fear or favor.