The U.S. Embassy in Zambia has warned American citizens about a new law requiring the country’s electronic communications surveillance. Signed into law on April 8th by President Hakainde Hichilema, the Cyber Security Act mandates ICT companies to intercept all communications, including phone calls, emails, text messages, and streamed content, to identify “critical information.”
The law defines “critical information” broadly, meaning a wide range of communications could be subject to monitoring. If a communication is found to contain such information, ICT companies are required to forward it to the Zambian government. This provision significantly changes Zambia’s approach to privacy and surveillance.
The U.S. Embassy has advised American citizens living in or visiting Zambia to assess this law’s implications for their communications carefully. They are encouraged to adjust their activities to safeguard their privacy. As the law takes effect, the Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and provide further guidance to American citizens in Zambia.
This new legislation marks a significant shift in Zambia’s privacy laws and emphasizes the government’s focus on security and cyber threats. Americans are urged to remain informed about the law’s impact and adjust their behavior accordingly.
