Zambia Cyber Security Agency (ZCSA) Director for Critical Information Infrastructure, Nalucha Imasiku, has urged journalists in the country to familiarise themselves with cyber security laws ahead of the August 13 general election.
Ms Imasiku notes that legislation has a direct bearing on media operations and the dissemination of information to the public.
She says cyber security laws are important to journalists as they govern conduct within the digital space and provide protection against cyber threats that may affect media institutions.
Ms Imasiku said this during a media and elections capacity building workshop held in Lusaka today.
The Director explained that the Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025 provides for the establishment of the Agency and outlines measures aimed at protecting critical information infrastructure and essential digital services.
Ms Imasiku noted that media houses are among institutions that can benefit from the law in the event of cyber incidents such as ransomware attacks, compromised email accounts, disruption of broadcasting websites and other forms of cyber threats.
She said the Agency is mandated to provide technical support and incident response services to institutions affected by cyber security breaches.
She further stated that the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 criminalises offences such as unauthorised access to computer systems, identity-related offences, computer-related fraud, deceptive electronic communications and the use of malicious software.
The Director cited examples of cyber offences as altering or deleting electronic records, creating fake social media accounts, impersonating public officials and circulating false messages purporting to originate from official institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
She warned that offenders found guilty under the Cyber Crimes Act risk facing fines, imprisonment or both depending on the nature of the offense.
The ZCSA official also reminded journalists in the country that provisions contained in the Penal Code and the State Security Act remain applicable in cyberspace.
Ms Imasiku explained that the publication of false information intended to cause public fear or alarm, as well as the unauthorised disclosure of classified information, remain offences even when committed through digital platforms.
She stressed the need for media practitioners to exercise due diligence when handling sensitive information and to verify information before publication.
“The fact that conduct takes place through digital platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, email or other online platforms does not remove it from the application of the law.
A crime committed in the physical world remains a crime in cyberspace,” she said.
Ms Imasiku observed that journalists play a critical role in communicating electoral information and are therefore key stakeholders within the digital electoral environment.
She noted that digital platforms such as social media, messaging applications, online video platforms and artificial intelligence tools have become integral to information dissemination during elections.
Ms Imasiku further advised journalists to use emerging technologies responsibly and ensure that information obtained through digital platforms is verified before publication.
She reiterated the Agency’s commitment to supporting media institutions and other stakeholders in safeguarding the country’s digital space and promoting cyber security awareness.
