Zambia Enacts Controversial Cybersecurity Law, Raising Surveillance Concerns
LUSAKA—A newly introduced cybersecurity law in Zambia has sparked concerns over digital privacy and government surveillance, granting authorities broad powers to monitor electronic communications.
Signed by President Hakainde Hichilema on April 8, 2025, the Cyber Security Act mandates the interception of phone calls, emails, text messages and streamed content, drawing criticism from privacy advocates and international observers.
The United States Embassy in Lusaka has issued a warning to American citizens, advising them to carefully evaluate the law’s implications before traveling to Zambia.
Under the Act, ICT (Information and Communications Technology) companies are now legally required to monitor electronic exchanges and intercept content flagged as “critical information,” a vaguely defined term that critics argue could encompass a wide range of personal and professional interactions.
According to iHarare News, the law further obligates ICT providers to transmit intercepted data to the government if deemed significant.
Digital rights activists have expressed concerns that this regulation could lead to mass surveillance and the erosion of fundamental privacy protections.
The U.S. Embassy underscored that the legislation represents a major shift from prevailing privacy safeguards in many countries.
While the Zambian government has yet to formally address international concerns, civil society groups remain watchful, assessing how the law will be implemented.
As the Cyber Security Act takes effect, its real-world impact remains to be seen, with experts and rights advocates closely observing its influence on Zambia’s digital landscape.
