Government is set to put in place social media abuse laws amid revelations that there is an upsurge in internet abuse and the proliferation of illegal websites.

This comes on the back of a rise in mobile broadband penetration, which has powered cybercrime and the establishment of websites that promote online prostitution as well as circulation of explicit content.

Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister Kazembe Kazembe said his ministry is currently working on the Cyber Crime and Cyber Security Bill (2019). The bill seeks to address social media abuse, which includes the proliferation of websites that promote online prostitution.

“Part IV of the bill provides for offences relating to electronic communications and materials such as transmitting of messages that may cause harm. We are looking at messages that may be detrimental to peace and in light of websites that promote online prostitution, we are saying such websites are a threat to the society,” said Minister Kazembe.

After enactment into law, this act will regulate social media usage, curb social media abuse, cyber bullying and deliberate transmission of false data.

Minister Kazembe said dating websites are illegal, adding that the bill will control such websites under Part IX, which provides for judicial control of information stored in websites.State media