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Government has assured journalists in the country that the cyber laws that will soon be introduced are meant to protect the journalism profession and not to clampdown on journalists.
Speaking during the World Press Freedom Day Commemoration in Lusaka, under the theme: “keeping power in check: media justice and rule of law” , Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services acting permanent secretary Isaac Chipampe said the cyber laws are meant to deal with and arrest the increasing numbers of criminals on the cyber space.
He says the ministry is concerned with the increased online fraud ,stating that people are being duped of their monies through online job adverts which are requesting people to pay in exchange for jobs.
Mr Chipampe has noted the need for citizens to distinguish between journalism and communism,stating that most of the things posted on facebook,twitter and whatsApp is communication and not journalism.
Mr. Chipampe has since urged media personnel to regulate themselves to bring standards to the journalism profession by staying away from online write-ups which are sometimes abusive.
And Speaking at the same event, World Press Freedom Day organizing committee representative Felistus Chipako reminded journalists to remain professional and ethical in executing their duties if the profession is to be respected.