By Anthony Chomba,
Bloggers of Zambia have joined the global community in commemorating Data Privacy Day, calling for enhanced privacy protections as the country continues to undergo rapid digital transformation.
In a statement issued to Mafken News in Lusaka, Bloggers of Zambia Director Richard Mulonga urged authorities and stakeholders to strengthen safeguards against emerging digital risks such as cybercrime, identity theft, unauthorized surveillance, and online exploitation. He noted that these threats disproportionately affect women, children, journalists, and other vulnerable groups.
Mr. Mulonga emphasized that privacy should not be viewed as a luxury, but as a fundamental safeguard for human dignity, freedom of expression, and democratic governance.
While acknowledging the existence of the Data Protection Act as an important legal framework, Mr. Mulonga said legislation alone is insufficient. He stressed that effective data protection must be supported by public awareness, institutional compliance, strong enforcement mechanisms, and a culture that promotes privacy by design and by default.
He further called on both public and private institutions to take responsibility for protecting personal data in an increasingly digital society.
