October 07, 2024

Why are cybersecurity laws so controversial in Africa?

Listen Later

20 minutes

While there’s no doubt that the internet has taken the human race forward, it has its dark side.

If left unregulated, it can be exploited and used for the wrong reasons, like stealing money from people or to even compromise a country's security.

This is why many governments across Africa say they require laws to counter what's often referred to as cybercrimes, to protect their citizens.

But in countries like Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho, there's a serious push back against some of these laws.

Human rights activists argue that they will lead to the arrests of journalists who are investigating government corruption. In Malawi news reporter McMillan Mhone was arrested by the country’s Cyber Crimes Division in Blantyre.

Presenter: Mpho Lakaje

Guests: Former editor of Lesotho Times Herbert Moyo, Lesotho’s Communications Minister Nthati Moorosi and Botswana’s independent journalist Mmapula Molapong

...more

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Africa Daily

By BBC World Service

4.8

170170 ratings

October 07, 2024

Why are cybersecurity laws so controversial in Africa?

Listen Later

20 minutes

While there’s no doubt that the internet has taken the human race forward, it has its dark side.

If left unregulated, it can be exploited and used for the wrong reasons, like stealing money from people or to even compromise a country's security.

This is why many governments across Africa say they require laws to counter what's often referred to as cybercrimes, to protect their citizens.

But in countries like Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho, there's a serious push back against some of these laws.

Human rights activists argue that they will lead to the arrests of journalists who are investigating government corruption. In Malawi news reporter McMillan Mhone was arrested by the country’s Cyber Crimes Division in Blantyre.

Presenter: Mpho Lakaje

Guests: Former editor of Lesotho Times Herbert Moyo, Lesotho’s Communications Minister Nthati Moorosi and Botswana’s independent journalist Mmapula Molapong

...more