Should Zambia toughen laws on obscene content after recent leakages?

The recent arrest of social media personality […]

The recent arrest of social media personality Gisela Smith over alleged production and circulation of obscene material has renewed debate over whether Zambia’s cybercrime laws are strong enough to deter the growing spread of explicit content online.

 Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, technology expert Ali Kingston Mwila said Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act clearly outlines offenses and penalties, leaving it to the courts to determine appropriate punishment based on the evidence presented.

Mwila emphasized that the country’s laws are already adequate, arguing that the real challenge is changing people’s attitudes and increasing public awareness. “The law is there, and it is clear. The police investigate, arrest suspects, and hand them over to the courts, which determine the outcome,” he said.

Mwila said the persistence of such cases should not be interpreted as a failure of the law but rather of behavior, noting that many offenders create explicit content “for fun” without appreciating the legal consequences.

 “Even if the content is not published, merely possessing it on your device can amount to an offense under the law,” he said.

He added that some young people mistakenly believe producing explicit content is a quick route to fame and online popularity, despite Zambia’s laws and cultural values prohibiting such behavior. Mwila also dismissed suggestions that regulators are failing to stop explicit material from spreading online, saying their role is to develop and enforce standards while law enforcement agencies investigate and prosecute offenders.

 He noted that cybercriminals increasingly use anonymous technologies and the dark web to distribute illegal content, making enforcement more difficult. “Crime has become an economic commodity. Some people commit offenses simply to make money, and technology is making it easier for them to hide their identities,” he said.

 Mwila called for stronger cybercrime awareness campaigns in schools and communities, saying public education is essential to changing mindsets and reducing online offenses. “We need more awareness because not everyone has read or understood these laws. The information should reach people in languages they understand,” he said.

Artice by Karen Ngulube