Gvt Cautions Against Secret Recordings, FPI Raises Press Freedom Concerns

Government has warned that secretly recording and sharing private conversations on social media could result in legal action under the Cyber Crimes Act.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, has said the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 is fully operational and applies to everyone.

Kawana has said Government is concerned about the increasing practice of recording private meetings and conversations and publishing the content online without the knowledge or consent of those involved.

He has warned that such conduct could violate privacy rights, damage reputations, spread misinformation and undermine public confidence in the responsible use of digital platforms.

Kawana has urged members of the public to familiarize e themselves with the Cyber Crimes Act and exercise caution before recording or sharing private communications.

The warning follows the detention of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) journalist MacPherson Mukuka, who is accused of secretly recording a private conversation and later publishing the audio on the Earth Television Zambia Facebook page.

Mukuka is alleged to have contravened Section 10 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

Meanwhile, Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) has condemned Mukuka’s detention, raising concerns over the possible impact of the law on press freedom and public interest journalism.

FPI Founder and Executive Director, Joan Chirwa, said that while no one is above the law, the detention of a journalist over information published in the public interest raises serious concerns about Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

The organisation has also questioned the provision criminalising the recording of private conversations without consent, arguing that it does not provide adequate protection for journalists who document information relating to corruption, abuse of office, criminal conduct or other matters of legitimate public concern.

FPI has said that the absence of a clear public interest defence or exemption could expose journalists to arrest and prosecution for carrying out their watchdog role.

The organisation has since called on the Zambia Police Service (ZP) to uphold Mukuka’s constitutional rights and ensure due process, while urging law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint in enforcing cyber laws in a manner that could suppress legitimate journalism.

FPI has further warned that, with Zambia approaching a critical election period, restrictions that discourage investigative journalism could limit citizens’ access to information needed to make informed decisions.

By Esther Munanga.