Senators pass Cyber Bill without debate again

Senators pass Cyber Bill without debate again

Senators have passed the controversial Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill without debate for the second time.

The Bill had been recommitted to the Committee Stage after errors were discovered the last time.

However, the Senators unanimously agreed to the corrections that were pointed out by the Minister of ICT Jenfan Muswere.

The corrections were deleting Clauses 5 and 6 and some words in Clause 37 of the Bill.

Speaking during the committee stage in the Senate, the Minister said ‘’I move the amendment standing in my name that on page 29 of the Bill, definitions, in line 11, delete the words “remote forensic tool” which means an investigative tool including software or hardware installed on or in relation to a computer system or part of a computer system and used to perform tasks that include keystroke logging or transmission of an IP address.

‘’On page 34 of the Bill, definition, in line 31, delete the words “utilize” in relation to a remote forensic tool includes: a) developing a remote forensic tool; b) adopting a remote forensic tool; and c) purchasing a remote forensic tool,’’ he said.

The amendments were agreed to without debate and the Bill was reported with amendments before being referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.

Cyber Bill should have been sent for consultations

Organisations such as Misa Zimbabwe were proposing that the Bill should be subjected to another round of public consultations.

According to Misa, the Bill has changed significantly from the one that was presented to the public during consultations.

The Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill is seeking to regulate the use of the internet and social media in Zimbabwe.

However, legal watchers are of the view that it contains some sections which can be used to infringe on the freedom of expression.

On the good side, the Bill also criminalises the issues of revenge porn and child pornography.

 Senators pass Cyber Bill without debate again