SECTOR 1

While there have been no previous attempts at regulating the internet through
policy formulation, once the election results were out, the late President Sata
made a statement; that he would begin a process to draft a law that would
ensure that online communications are regulated.
In 2016, ZICTA started discussing the regulation of online content, especially
regarding the establishment of a mechanism to monitor content related to
cybercrimes, cyberbullying and pornography. No legislation on content regulation
has yet been passed.
Under Article 94 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, socalled cyber inspectors may “monitor and inspect any website or activity on an
information system in the public domain and report any unlawful activity to the
appropriate authority.”8

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

3.5 (2013:1.3; 2011:n/a; 2009:n/a;
2007:n/a; 2005:n/a)

1.10 Civil society in general and media lobby groups
actively advance the cause of media freedom.
Even civil society and other organisations that do not directly work in the media
field may have a vested interest in improving the state of freedom of expression
in Zambia. There have been “instances where [a federation] wanted to issue a
statement and government officials wanted to look at it before it [was] actually
issued.” These organisations, therefore, support advocacy related to the
advancement of freedom of the media and expression.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) and media lobby groups “are doing a
commendable job at pushing for media freedom.” However, advocacy is not
always effective, especially because of a lack of coordination.
8

Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, Act No. 21 of 2009

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZAMBIA 2017

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Select target paragraph3