Government has dispelled allegations that it is regulating social media.
Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mwetwa says the use of social media in Zambia is already regulated under the legislation called the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021 enacted by the Zambian government before the 2021 general elections.
Mr Mweetwa disclosed that there is no bill before parliament that intended to promulgate the legislation of broadcasting on the internet.
He indicated that the government has no intention of limiting freedoms of expression and speech as provided for in the bill of rights of the Zambian constitution.
ZANIS reports that the Minister said this today during a press briefing held at his office.
“The main topic being talked about is the regulation of broadcasting using the internet. Regulation of broadcasting using the internet is not a topic which has begun with this administration but it’s a topic which began under the previous administrations as early as 2015,” he explained.
The Minister added that the amendment of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) on broadcasting on the internet was a request by members of the general public who wanted to acquire broadcasting licenses from IBA to be legitimate and broadcast using the internet.
Mr Mweetwa noted that the request to allow IBA to issue licenses to broadcasters using the internet was advised against by the Anthony General stating that the IBA Act does not cater for them to license online broadcasting.
He highlighted that the amendment of the IBA Act would benefit the would-be licensed internet broadcasters to import broadcasting equipment cheaply as they will be licensed.
Mr Mweetwa said that the amendment would also allow IBA to monitor content of those broadcasting using the internet just like those who broadcast using satellite.
He further noted that President Hakainde Hichilema remains steadfast and focused to continue to provide leadership of the moment.
Mr Mweetwa noted that the government is answering to the challenges of the country while ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law and ensuring that there is no discrimination or segregation in the application of the law.
