The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has announced plans to legally contest the newly enacted Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes laws, warning that several provisions pose a serious risk to Zambia’s democratic principles and constitutional freedoms.
In a strong statement issued on April 21, 2025, LAZ President Lungisani Zulu revealed that the Association will file for judicial review in the High Court. He described the Cyber Security Act No. 3 and Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 as containing “vague and overreaching” clauses that endanger civil liberties, particularly the right to free expression and press freedom protected under Article 20 of the Constitution.
“These laws could have a chilling effect on journalism and public discourse,” said Zulu. “They hand the state extensive powers that could be used to suppress dissent and punish journalists for doing their job.”
One of LAZ’s major concerns lies with Section 19 of the Cyber Crimes Act, which criminalizes “misleading” digital headlines—an offence carrying a prison term of up to seven years. LAZ argues this could be used arbitrarily to imprison journalists for editorial decisions.
Sections 5 and 6 have also raised alarm, as they criminalize unauthorized access or sharing of data linked to broadly defined terms such as national security and public safety. LAZ warns that these provisions could stifle investigative reporting and punish whistleblowers.
Of particular concern is Section 24(1)(b), which equates inciting ethnic division with acts of terrorism, carrying a sentence of life imprisonment. While reiterating its firm stance against tribalism, LAZ cautions that this law could be exploited to silence opposition voices under the pretext of national unity.
LAZ further questioned the placement of the newly established Zambia Cyber Security Agency directly under the Office of the President, calling it a move that undermines transparency and accountability. “Placing such a powerful body under State House raises legitimate fears of political interference in cybersecurity matters,” Zulu stated.
The Association called for a more balanced legal framework that respects constitutional rights while addressing digital threats. “Security must not override the principles of democratic governance,” the statement emphasized.
LAZ’s forthcoming legal action could become a landmark case in Zambia’s legal and political landscape, setting a vital precedent for how digital laws should align with constitutional protections in a modern democracy.