The United States Embassy in Zambia has issued a cautionary statement to American citizens living in or planning to travel to Zambia regarding a newly enacted law that mandates widespread electronic surveillance.
According to the Embassy’s notice, on April 8, 2025, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema signed the Cyber Security Act into law. This legislation introduces extensive provisions requiring Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies to intercept and monitor all forms of electronic communication—including phone calls, emails, text messages, and streamed content.
Notably, the law obligates ICT providers to proactively assess whether any communication contains “critical information”—a term so broadly defined that it could encompass a wide range of activities. Companies must then transmit any such intercepted content to the Zambian government.
Given the sweeping surveillance capabilities introduced by this law—marking a stark contrast with privacy norms in many other countries—the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to carefully evaluate the implications of this legislation and adjust their digital behavior and travel plans accordingly.
By Rachel Mumba
