Have You Actually Read and Understood Zambia’s Cyber Security Act, 2025
The Cyber Security Act, 2025 is often misunderstood. It does NOT regulate your everyday speech on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok, or any other social media platform.
As Zambia embraces a new chapter of digital transformation, the recently passed Cyber Security Act of 2025 has sparked widespread public discussion, some fueled by misinformation, much of it entangled in political agendas. I didn't wanna comment on this because I had not yet taken time to read the act I have just been watching people's reaction but today I decided to do some homework.
First of all I have noticed that amid rising speculation that frames the law as a surveillance measure, the Government has moved swiftly to offer a clear, fact-based response aimed at restoring public trust.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized:
“The Cyber Security law is not meant to violate the privacy of Zambian citizens or international visitors. Its purpose is to safeguard the nation’s digital space, ensuring that safety and innovation can grow together.”
Far from being a mere diplomatic gesture, this statement underscores a thoughtfully crafted legal approach, one that I feel seeks to shield Zambians from emerging online risks while firmly upholding constitutional rights.
But for you to understand my perspective here let's do a little history I read up on today just for context. Until 2021, Zambia had no strong, modern legal framework to address the rapidly evolving world of the internet, hacking, cyber fraud, online harassment, or the protection of national digital infrastructure.
The first major attempt came with the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, No. 2 of 2021, a sweeping law that combined two fundamentally different issues:
Defending Zambia’s critical information infrastructure (like banks, hospitals, transport systems).
Punishing bad behavior on the internet (like online scams, social media insults, cyberbullying).
While the 2021 law was a bold step, it faced widespread criticism. Many felt it was too broad, too powerful, and could be used to stifle free expression under the guise of protecting national security and I remember the social backlash president Lungu received at the time.
In response, the Government chose in 2024 to separate cyber security from cyber crimes into two distinct Bills:
Cyber Security Bill (NAB No. 29 of 2024): Focusing purely on protecting national cyber infrastructure.
Cyber Crime Bill (NAB No. 30 of 2024): Targeting punishable online behavior like scams, cyberbullying, and social media offenses.
In 2025, only the Cyber Security Bill was passed into law as the Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025. The Cyber Crime Bill remains pending, meaning that issues like social media misconduct are still handled through traditional laws, not new cyber legislation. I hope we are moving together so yeah?
Now back to my original point, so the Cyber Security Act, 2025 is often misunderstood. It does NOT regulate your everyday speech on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, TikTok, or any other social media platform. It is primarily about national digital defense. Here's what it genuinely focuses on:
Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure
It secures essential systems (like government networks, hospitals, banks, energy grids) from cyber attacks.
Creation of the Zambia Cyber Security Agency
A professional body under the Office of the President to coordinate cyber defense strategies, cyber audits, risk management, and public awareness. I know for people that don’t understand this point it sounds spooky but it actually isn’t.
Mandatory Cyber Security Practices for Controllers
Entities managing critical information must comply with best practices in cyber resilience and risk mitigation.
Regulation of Cyber Security Service Providers
Only licensed, qualified experts can offer services like ethical hacking, vulnerability assessments, and incident response.
Lawful Interception Mechanisms with Judicial Oversight
Where communication interception is necessary to protect lives or national security, it can only occur with court authorization, ensuring due process.
Cyber Incident Reporting
Organizations must report major cyber breaches affecting the nation’s critical systems. At the heart of the law lies a strong commitment to due process. A court must authorize communication interception, leaving no room for arbitrary or unchecked surveillance.
Sections 36 and 37 of the Act explicitly reinforce these protections, safeguarding privileged communications and prohibiting random monitoring. These are not token gestures; they are legal guarantees that uphold the sanctity of privacy in the digital age. Moreover, the Act aligns with international standards of digital rights.
It was drafted to address global best practices and incorporate mechanisms for accountability. Citizens who feel aggrieved by any misuse of the law have access to legal remedies, ensuring transparency and protection against abuse.
So my good country folks, contrary to widespread fears, the Act: Does not criminalize posting jokes, criticisms, or political opinions online. Does not allow random, mass spying on ordinary Zambians. Does not criminalize memes, satire, or dissent. Does not regulate your personal online conversations unless tied directly to threats against critical national systems.
The classification of "critical information", often misunderstood on social media, is clearly defined within national security protocols and applied only by authorized institutions under strict legal oversight. something almost every normal country does.
The confusion largely stems from the memory of the older Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021, which mixed technical cyber security with punishment for online behavior.
In addition, many mistakenly believe that any "cyber law" must involve surveillance and restrictions on free speech. In truth, the Cyber Security Act, 2025 is a highly technical and security-focused law, not a speech control mechanism. The Cyber Crime Bill — which could touch on social media behavior — is a separate legislative project still under discussion.
Rather than signaling a return to censorship, the Cyber Security Act, 2025 is a progressive and necessary tool in Zambia’s arsenal against a rising tide of global cyber threats. It builds Zambia’s digital defenses, encourages innovation, and safeguards national infrastructure, without infringing on citizens' voices or privacy. This is not a law of oppression. It is a law of protection, preparedness, and progress.
The internet is a vital tool for Zambia’s democracy, innovation, and future growth. The Cyber Security Act, 2025, when correctly understood, strengthens not weakens that future.
Freedom of speech remains intact.
Freedom of thought remains protected.
Freedom of criticism remains alive.
Rather than panic, Zambia now needs greater public education, vigilance, and open dialogue, ensuring that future cyber crime laws are carefully crafted to punish true cyber criminals, not silence the vibrant spirit of online debate. In cyber space, as in every space, truth remains our strongest defense.
DOWNLOAD A COPY : https://www.parliament.gov.zm/node/12319