Lusaka, Feb 26 (TIWN) The decision by the Zambian government to introduce a cybersecurity bill has received mixed reactions from the cross section of the society.

Recently, the Cabinet approved the introduction and publication of a bill to introduce the law on cybersecurity and cybercrimes.  Chief government spokesperson Dora Siliya said the move follows the approval of the National Cyber Security policy by the Cabinet last month, Xinhua reported.  According to the spokesperson, the introduction of the cybersecurity law is meant to promote the responsible use of social media platforms as well as ensure the provision of cybersecurity in the country.  The bill has since been introduced in parliament for discussion by lawmakers.  Currently, the Parliamentary Committee Joint Committee on Media, Information and Communication Technologies and National Security and Foreign Affairs is sitting to get submissions from various stakeholders before the Parliament starts deliberating on it.  Among the contentious provisions in the bill include monitoring and interception of electronic communication as well as any other information using the internet.