Government has established a Special Joint Cyber crime Crack Squad (SJCCS) aimed at mitigating the abuse and illegal use of internet.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the adoption of this approach reinforces government’s commitment to introducing measures and policies that will promote a safe, secure, resilient, reliable and inclusive ICT sector.

“However, the wider and increased availability to the digital platforms such as the internet and mobile technology has led to some individuals using ICTs to propagate illegal vices. In order to mitigate against abusive and illegal use of digital platforms and vulnerabilities amongst and against Zambian citizens, the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Transport and Communications has spearheaded the formation of a Special Joint Cyber crime Crack Squad (SJCCS). The SJCCS is an effort of collaboration amongst security agencies and other stakeholder groups. The SJCCS has been established with the understanding that the ability to reduce risks brought about by the digital revolution requires the establishment of effective and efficient real-time and proactive strategies. Such strategies can be developed and implemented through enhanced and improved collaboration between key cross-sectoral stakeholders,” the statement read.

The ministry further stated that the Special Joint Cyber crime Crack Squad would support the identification of investigative overlaps and eliminate duplicity of resources among other functions.

“The Special Joint Cyber crime Crack Squad (SJCCS) will play a lead role in bringing some level of sanity amongst digital platform users in the country. It will support the identification of investigative overlaps and eliminate duplicity of resources whilst effecting new investigative approaches to bring about rapid resolution of cyber crime cases and fast-track prosecution of the offenders. This team will help ensure that public digital platforms including social media are not used as vehicles for illegal and harmful activities. The Ministry remains committed to promoting the responsible and productive use of digital platforms. Further we condemn all forms of cyber crime and the harmful use of social media,” further stated the ministry.

“The adoption of this multi-disciplinary collaborative approach reinforces Governments commitment to introducing measures and policies that will promote a safe, secure, resilient, reliable and inclusive ICT sector for increased and continued Investment and Development in Zambia. The exponential grow thin the information and communication technology sector has created unprecedented opportunities for accelerated development in interactions by individuals and corporate entities facilitating the establishment of knowledge based digital societies. Through ICTs, the ability for people to communicate, connect, share, learn, access information and express their opinions on matters that affect their lives and their communities has been enhanced enormously. People, the world over including the people of Zambia, have benefited greatly by opportunities brought about by the emergence of the digital age.”