Home 9 Freedom of expression 9 Minister: Abuse of cyber space basis for cyber laws

Minister: Abuse of cyber space basis for cyber laws

11 Apr, 2018
Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba says that government has a duty to safeguard the interest of the public from people using cyber space to commit crimes.

Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba says the premise for the proposed cyber laws is based on the abuse of the cyber space by some people in the country.

The Minister explains that some undesirable elements are using the cyber space to commit crimes in the name of freedom of expression adding that government has a duty to safeguard the interest of the public.

The Minister further says the process was further driven by a number of charters that the country has signed including the African Union AU and the Southern African Development Community SADC.

Mr. Mushimba adds that the cyber laws are coming largely around consume protection as opposed to gagging the internet as perceived by some sections of society.

He notes that the future is in the back of ICT’s as the physical presence is now being overtaken by the cyber space.

The Minister further explains that government has a bigger picture in the usage of ICT’s and hence the need to have laws that define the boundaries of the cyber space.

He has also pointed out that the growth of many economies depended on how people made use of the internet because of the importance of technology in advancing and supporting economic activities.

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.

Share this

Related news

FOX Fellowships ( Call for Applications)

FOX Fellowships ( Call for Applications)

DW Akademie in collaboration with the Spaces of Solidarity coalition of Media Freedom Advocates offer five FOX Fellowships of 1,000 EUR (~ 1,100 USD) for activists, media professionals, media freedom and freedom of expression advocates to foster free expression in the...

Repurpose AU for the digital economy 

Repurpose AU for the digital economy 

The African Union should repurpose and redefine itself as a relevant and responsive actor, challenging the digital hegemony and market dominance of technological platforms in Africa. The call was made by MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo during his panel...

The Freedom of Expression  Climate survey 2025- Now Available!

The Freedom of Expression Climate survey 2025- Now Available!

Southern Africa has in its history never faced such crossroads in the wake of the USA’s global funding cuts and dealing with high stakes that are borne of elections and rapid technological changes. The headwinds are further compounded by the debilitating effects of...