State of the media report Q1-2021 business to currency depreciation, reduced economic activity, continued load shedding and the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT The technological environment was eventful, with some of the developments being negative and some being positive. For instance, the potential impact of the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Act No. 2 of 2021 which was discussed in detail in the legal environment section above was one negative development. As pointed out earlier, while some of the intention behind the Act could be good, some of its provisions have the potential to stifle freedom of expression online due to the invasive nature of its provisions, especially against those deemed to be critical of the State on various social platforms. One of the few notable occurrences in the quarter under review was the directive by the Independent Broadcasting Authority to radio stations not to collect personal information live on radio. The Authority issued the following statement: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) wishes to advise all broadcasting stations against requesting their callers to reveal personal information such as National Registration Card Numbers whether in part or in full, Full Names and Mobile Numbers, live on air when participating in promotional campaign programmes. Revelation of such details poses a security risk to them. The Authority has issued this directive following consultations with the Bank of Zambia and hereby directs broadcasting stations to obtain such details from their listeners or viewers, off air in order to avoid public disclosure. It is important to note that the disclosure of such detailed personal information on air may provide a ripe environment for fraudsters to perpetuate fraud through impersonation and may erode the gains the country has made in migrating people to a digital economy through digital financial services. This statement has been issued in accordance with the provisions of the IBA Act of 2002.All broadcasting stations are expected to comply with the above stated directive The directive was long overdue as the trend of asking callers to submit personal details has the potential to encourage identity theft, fraud and other social engineering vices which are on the rise in 27