Malawi Struggles with Cybersecurity Act Compliance as Digital Era Challenges Mount
The situation in Malawi reflects a broader struggle across the continent as governments attempt to regulate online spaces while balancing concerns over freedom of expression.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — As Malawi grapples with the rapid expansion of social media and digital communications, the country's telecommunications regulator has raised alarms over poor compliance with its Cybersecurity Act, highlighting the challenges facing African nations in the digital age, writes Steven Godfrey Mkweteza.
Daud Suleman, Director General of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), expressed concern Monday about the widespread non-compliance with the 2016 Cybersecurity Act.
Speaking at the launch of a countrywide open week organized by MACRA, Suleman emphasized the need for increased public awareness, particularly in rural areas.
"We have noted that the recent emergence of social media has made this act difficult to enforce. It is being abused due to poor sensitization so far," Suleman said, underscoring the gap between legislation and public understanding.
The situation in Malawi reflects a broader struggle across the continent as governments attempt to regulate online spaces while balancing concerns over freedom of expression.
Suleman acknowledged this tension, noting, "A lot of people think the Cybersecurity contents are infringing on their rights of freedom of expression as stipulated by the country's constitution."
In response to these challenges, MACRA is pushing for a parliamentary review and amendment of the act.
The regulator is also planning to introduce four new laws to reshape the country's communications landscape, including an E-evidence bill, a digital innovation and entrepreneurship bill, a data protection act, and a revised cybersecurity bill.
Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi's Minister of Information and Digitalization, praised MACRA's efforts to engage with the public through the open week.
"This will bring about efficiency in the operations of MACRA. For example, there have been unresolved issues related to various laws and how people should use social media platforms," Kunkuyu said.
The minister stressed the importance of finding common ground between the regulator and consumers to ensure an improved communication era in Malawi.
As the country navigates these complex issues, the outcomes could provide valuable insights for other African nations facing similar challenges in regulating digital spaces while promoting innovation and protecting citizen rights.
The struggle to implement the Cybersecurity Act in Malawi highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and individual freedoms in the digital age, a challenge that resonates far beyond the borders of this southeastern African nation.