Alternatively, self-regulation protects the right of journalists to be independent and impartial, and to be judged for professional mistakes, not by those in power but by their colleagues. It aims at establishing minimum standards on accuracy, professional ethics, protection of privacy and other personal rights, preserving editorial freedom and freedom of speech, as well as a diversity of points of view and opinions15. Based on this, the proposal for jail terms and hefty fines in any self-regulation mechanism leaves rooms for media control (instead of accountability) and are not very different from other existing laws that regulate publication of news and information, with already existing jail terms and financial punitive measures which at times have had crippling financial stress on the media in Zambia. From the submissions made by the journalists, it still holds that media regulation should proceed if the profession is to be salvaged. However, various concerns still remain on the representativeness of the contents of the Bill as well as the independence of the process that will be used to enact it. This call must be weighed against existing harsh laws that already carry jail terms and financial punitive measures as these decisions are being explored to promote professionalism in the media. 4.3. Cyber Crime and Cyber Security Act Another notable issue arising from the literature reviewed as well as the FGD is that of threats to freedom of the media online, and, more specifically the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Act of 2021. The Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act No. 2 of 202116 seeks to provide for the protection of persons against cybercrime, provide for child online 15 According to a 2018 UNESCO Professional Journalism Self-Regulation and New Media, Old Dilemmas in South East Europe and Turkey. Available at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000190810 16 Available at http://www.parliament.gov.zm/node/8832. Shortly after its enactment, the Act was challenged By five Civil Society Organisations in a High Court petition for a declaration that various provisions of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act be declared unconstitutional and struck off the statute books. The five organisations include Alliance for Community Action, Bloggers of Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, GEARS Initiative Zambia and Peoples’ Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia. The matter remains active. 21