the challenges authorities have had
previously

in

obtaining

sufficient

grounds to enter and collect material
from media houses, for example. This
is further watered down by Section 29
discussed below which allows search
without warrant, based on reasonable
suspicion
14

Empowers

Minister

Communication
special

of The list of which areas could be

to

make affected by a “threat” is too general and

regulations

or prone to abuse. For example “national

compelling

any security and defence”, “economy” are

directives

person/organisation

too open ended and prone to arbitrary

identified in the regulations application; “public order” as has been
to take certain measures for the case previously is equally too
the purpose of preventing or vague and could be used to suppress
countering a threat

individuals or organisations deemed to
be critical on online spaces.

15 (4)

Criminalises

failure

to Provides

produce

a

record

or authorities to obtain documents and

document

required

cyber

inspector

by
in

additional

means

for

a records from targeted individuals “in
the the process of investigation”. This

process of investigations

could be used to obtain confidential
information/sources

from

investigative journalists, for example
without need for a warrant. A fine
and/or two-year imprisonment are a
threat enough.
29

Interception
communication

of Interception
to

of

communication

prevent without a warrant may be prone to

bodily harm, loss of life or abuse by the authorities to target
damage to property

critical voices. While provision is made
to account to a Judge after the
interception is completed, the grounds
on which the reasonable suspicion

24

Select target paragraph3