(d) economy; (e) public health and public safety; (f) public order of the Republic; or (g) an electronic communication system, computer system and information system. (2) A person who fails to take any measure or comply with any requirement directed by the Minister under subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both. Clearly, based on this provision alone and the legal regime establishing the Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) as well as licensing regulations for service providers, government authorities have power to restrict internet coverage for various reasons established by the law, though vague and arbitrary in certain cases. However, because of the latitude granted by these legal provisions, it is important that such actions are justifiable in a democratic society and exercised in a transparent manner that allows for accountability. In the case of the August blockade, there was no official communication from the government as to the reason for the partial internet shutdown which led to social media being inaccessible nor communication as to which legal provisions were being enforced and the extent or parameters of the shutdown. Such transparent action would have shown the process taken to arrive at the decision for the partial internet shut down - a due process of comprehensive consideration of all interests. The government’s declaration lacked, and therefore, the whole process was shrouded in mystery and citizens could only speculate as to the reason for the shutdown. Such a situation is unfortunate as it leaves room for abuse and arbitrary application of legal provisions to stifle dissent and divergent views, especially that social media have made the realisation of a public sphere possible in countries like Zambia. It is no wonder then, that the Lusaka High Court stayed ZICTA’s order to service providers to block access to social media sites and granted leave to Chapter One Foundation (a local advocacy organisation) to commence 34