State of the media report Q1-2021 behavior that compromises their reporting. We need a free but responsible media,” President Lungu said. He said in recognition of the importance of the media in the governance system, Government launched the first –ever media development policy in November 2020. The head of state said the policy aims to promote freedom of expression by guaranteeing press freedom. “The policy is anchored on four pillars namely media freedom. Media pluralism, media independence and safety of journalists. This development underscored government’s commitment to supporting the media institutions and freedom of expression,” President Lungu said. He said this year, being an election year, the media will continue to play its very importanct role of being the fourth estate. President Lungu also advised those who abuse social media to use their time productively. “You can be on social media the whole day just criticizing Government. If is it imperative in your opinion to criticise government, do so, but please, do not insult. No one will hear you with your profanities and falsehoods,” he said. President Lungu further cautioned that cabinet has introduced a bill in parliament to allow for enactment of laws that will protect people from cyber bullying. “The Cyber Security Bill of 2021, which is aimed at protecting persons from cybercrime. Will not let you go scot-free if you do not stop abusing innocent people online,” he said. And Ms. Mwale commended President Lungu for the instance on media freedoms. “At policy level, we have every support but what we need now we are strong support systems to enforce policies on the media,” Ms. Mwale siad. She also urged journalists to always double check their facts, Communique-19th February (News Diggers) A CONSORTIUM of civil society organisations says members of parliament should consider getting submissions from stakeholders regarding the dangerous provisions in the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill of 2021 that need to be addressed before it can be passed. In a joint statement, Thursday, Chapter One Foundation, ActionAid Zambia, Alliance for Community Action, Caritas Zambia, CISCA, Centre for Trade Policy and Development, Transparency International Zambia, Zambia Council for Social Development, Council of Christian Churches in Zambia, GEARS Zambia and Peoples’ Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia said the Bill provided several avenues for abuse of the cyber space by state organs. “We urge the members of parliament before whom this Bill will be tabled to consider submissions from CSOs, NGOs and other stakeholders regarding the dangerous provisions in the Bill that need to be addressed before it can be passed. We wish to remind the representatives of the people that they too may at any given time fall prey to legislature that limits their freedom of speech and right to privacy. We also urge members of the public to take time to read the Bill and engage their elected representatives on the need to sufficiently scrutinise its provisions,” read the statement, which was signed by Chapter One Foundation executive director Linda Kasonde. “In his address to the National Assembly dated 12th February 2021 on the progress made in the application of the national values and principles, His Excellency the Republican President Edgar Lungu, made reference to the use of social media platforms to criticise the government. He further stated that the proposed Bill is meant to curtail social media abusers who abuse innocent people online. We note that while the Bill does provide for protection from cybercrimes, it also provides several avenues for abuse of the cyber space by state organs which threaten the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and right to privacy. These will need to be addressed and eliminated with equal enthusiasm.” 39