Zambia Ministry of Technology and Science: Internet Shutdown During Elections Raises Transparency Concerns

• Zambia's Ministry of Technology and Science assured citizens that it would not restrict internet access during the general election, but major social media platforms were cut off on August 12.
• The cause of the 2021 internet shutdown remains unknown, with the Ministry admitting it was unable to establish the reason.
• The CPJ and #KeepItOn Coalition are urging authorities to ensure free and open internet access before, during, and after the election.
• Lawyers advising clients in Zambia should be aware of the potential for future internet restrictions during elections.

The Ministry of Technology and Science has admitted that it was unable to establish the cause of the 2021 internet shutdown.

Zambia's Ministry of Technology and Science had assured citizens in June that it would not deliberately restrict internet access during the country's general election. However, on August 12, just a day before the polls, access to major social media platforms was cut off, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The shutdown continued into the next day, leaving many wondering about the cause of this disruption. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has joined forces with the #KeepItOn Coalition to urge Zambian authorities and telecommunication providers to ensure free and open internet access before, during, and after the election.

The Ministry of Technology and Science has admitted that it was unable to establish the cause of the 2021 internet shutdown. The CPJ and #KeepItOn Coalition have called on authorities to continue a transparent investigation into this disruption, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process. This incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in Zambia's telecommunications sector.

The 2021 internet shutdown has raised concerns about the potential for similar restrictions during future elections. Lawyers advising clients in Zambia should be aware of this risk and advise their clients to monitor developments and consider potential compliance implications. The government's inability to establish the cause of the shutdown also raises questions about its preparedness to address such disruptions in the future.

Lawyers advising clients in Zambia should be aware that the government has not ruled out restricting internet access during future elections, and should advise their clients to monitor developments and consider potential compliance implications.

Source: Original reporting via CPJ