The Zambian government has been accused of quietly enacting a new law, the CCTV Public Protection Bill, 2025, which human rights advocate claim poses a severe threat to every citizen's constitutional rights and freedoms.
Dr. Kelvin Mugala, a constitutional rights advocate, issued statement, saying he is raising the alarm today because this bill is not in the people's best interests, but rather a dangerous step towards a surveillance and police state.
Mugala went on to say the Bill proposes: “Mandatory licensing for anyone operating a CCTV system, even outside their home or business; warrantless entry and inspections by government officers without judicial oversight; and arrest powers without warrant for suspected non-compliance.”
This, according to Mugala, is creation of a centralised state surveillance authority with wide discretion and no civilian oversight.
“It violates the Zambian constitution: breaches Article 17 on the right to privacy, undermines freedom of expression (Article 20) and assembly (Article 21, contravenes Article 18 on fair legal process and protection from arbitrary arrest,” he said.
Mugala is also of the opinion that the law turns Zambia into a surveillance state, alleging that citizens will be monitored and criminalised for using cameras to protect themselves.
He continued: “The government gains unchecked powers over private lives and spaces, it silences democracy through fear. The bill, like the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, is being used to control speech, limit dissent, and erode public accountability.”
The government of Zambia had not commented on the allegations at the time of publishing.
Share