PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has signed and assented into law the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill of 2021.

And President Lungu has accepted NDC founder Chishimba Kambwili’s apology where the latter apologised after accusing the Head of State’s close associate Lusaka businessman Valden Findlay of drug trafficking.

In a statement, Friday, Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe disclosed that President Lungu signed the Bill on Tuesday, March 23, and hoped that it would bring sanity in the manner the internet was being used in Zambia.

“This is purely to protect citizens from abuse by people who feel they can do or say whatever they want using the veil of cyberspace. This law is aimed at protecting all Zambians, including those who are against it. I could not have signed it if I was not convinced it is for the good of all Zambians. I have read through and it is perfect,” President Lungu said in the statement.

The Bill contains various objectives, which include ensuring the provision of cyber security in the Republic; provide for the protection of persons against cyber crime; provide for child online protection and (d) facilitate identification, declaration and protection of critical information infrastructure, among others.

However, some members of the Civil Society have expressed concern that the law will be used to target those critical of the government.

The Bill is now earmarked for printing at Government Printers.

And President Lungu accepted Kambwili’s apology following the former Roan PF lawmaker’s appeal for forgiveness last week.