The U.S. Embassy in Zambia issued an alert warning its citizens about a new Cyber Security Act signed into law by President Hakainde Hichilema on April 8, 2024. The law mandates the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications—calls, emails, texts, and streaming content—in Zambia, sparking concerns about privacy and potential misuse.
The law, aimed at tackling online fraud, child pornography, and disinformation, grants authorities the power to monitor communications for “critical information,” a term broadly defined, raising fears it could be used against government critics. The Zambian government has denied these concerns, stating that surveillance would require a court-issued warrant and is not intended to invade privacy.
Despite the government’s assurances, the law has provoked backlash. Joan Chirwa, founder of the Free Press Initiative Zambia, criticized it as a blow to free expression, warning that it would affect not just journalists but all Zambians. The law also empowers authorities to search premises and seize computers, extradite offenders, and impose jail sentences ranging from five to 15 years.
The US Embassy has expressed concerns that the law introduces a “surveillance ecosystem” that significantly differs from privacy protections in many countries, urging Americans in Zambia to assess the implications before visiting or staying. The embassy’s warning surprised many, as Zambia’s relationship with the US has improved under Hichilema’s administration.
The law’s swift enactment, with minimal publicity, has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and activists. Miles Sampa, an opposition lawmaker, accused the president of betraying his previous stance against such measures, warning that it could lead to harsher restrictions on free speech. The introduction of the law comes as Zambia prepares for elections in 2026, and amid growing concerns that it could be used to stifle political opposition and dissent.
