Perpetrators may face fines or imprisonment for five to fifteen years.

The newly enacted Cyber Security Act in Zambia is raising outrage among the opposition and legal community, who say that it is an entrenchment of the dictatorship by his United Party for National Development-led President Hakainde Hichilema.

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has expressed concern about the legislation's ramifications, claiming that the Act violated fundamental rights and democratic ideals provided by the constitution.

The law allows the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications, including calls, emails, messages, and streamed content.

Perpetrators may face fines or imprisonment for five to fifteen years.

LAZ President Lungisani Zulu stated that the regulation also limited the press's capacity to work freely and independently.

He is concerned that the Zambia Cyber Security Agency has been centralised under the president's direct supervision rather than of being an independent entity.

“There is a significant risk that this agency could be used for political suppression rather than national protection, undermining the very democracy and freedoms it was ostensibly established to safeguard,” Zulu said.

LAZ had previously called on the government to withdraw the bill from the National Assembly and hold consultations with stakeholders.

“Although the government initially appeared receptive to these suggestions, the subsequent consultation process was insufficient and did not adequately address the concerns of stakeholders, including LAZ,” Zulu said.

Spuki Mulemwa, Western Province coordinator for the ruling party, defended the Cyber Security Act.

Mulemwa said: “This new Cyber Security Act is a progressive and necessary law to protect citizens from wanton cyber attacks by disgruntled elements that are sponsored by some sections of society and politicians agitating for regime change. 

"We expect the new Cyber Security Act to bring normalcy and sanity in cyberspace, as it's a necessary tool for the security and protection of citizens."