Zambia’s Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) has been directed to come up with a law that could punish internet users for sending and posting messages deemed to be hate speech.

Amos Malupenga, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services, has said the Zambian government is concerned about the abuse of internet services by some people who are using it to promote 'hate and corrupt morals'.

Malupenga said ZICTA has to ensure that people use internet services to promote development, and not to hurt others.

“We are facing challenges in the advancement of the information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Zambia. It is not a deniable fact that internet services have been abused in Zambia,” Malupanga said.

He added, “We need to regulate the use of internet services so that we can find a solution to the problems of some unscrupulous people who victimise others using the internet.”

Malupenga’s directive comes in the wake of the Zambian government’s several failed attempts to close down online media organisations, which have been accused of being used by opposition political party leaders to promote hate speech.

ZICTA director general, Margaret Mudenda, said the telecom sector regulator is determined to create a safe environment for internet users.