The Zambia Cyber Security Agency (ZCSA) has warned members of the public about a rise in disinformation circulating online, urging citizens to verify information before sharing it to avoid creating unnecessary panic, tension and instability.
In a public advisory issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Agency described disinformation as the deliberate creation and spread of false, misleading or manipulated information intended to deceive people, influence public opinion or create confusion in pursuit of a particular social or political objective.
The warning comes amid heightened public interest and political tensions following Zambia’s recent electoral period, with the ZCSA cautioning that disinformation can pose a significant cybersecurity and national security threat during elections.
According to the Agency, false information can spread rapidly through social media platforms, messaging applications, websites and other digital channels, making it increasingly difficult for members of the public to distinguish between verified information and deliberately manipulated narratives.
The ZCSA said disinformation can have serious consequences for the country by creating fear, panic and tension while potentially damaging national stability and Zambia’s reputation.
ZCSA Cites Tanzania Vice President Report
As an example, the Agency referred to a story that circulated widely online on Tuesday, August 25, claiming that Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi had resigned because he disagreed with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s alleged decision to send troops to Zambia to interfere in Zambia’s elections.
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The ZCSA said the claim contrasted with reporting by the BBC, which it described as a credible and trusted source.
According to the Agency, BBC reporting indicated that Nchimbi was leaving office following disagreements with President Hassan over controversial remarks he had made in recent weeks, including comments urging Tanzanians to fight for a new constitution.
The ZCSA said the example demonstrates how disinformation can be used as propaganda to alarm citizens, provoke emotional reactions and potentially contribute to national instability.
The Agency urged citizens to carefully examine information before accepting or sharing it online.
Zambians Urged to Verify Information
The ZCSA advised members of the public to establish whether the sources of information they receive are credible and have a record of providing legitimate information.
Citizens have also been encouraged to check whether a major claim has been independently reported by multiple credible sources, rather than relying on a single social media post, message or website.
The Agency said fact-checking and vetting sources should become an everyday practice, particularly when dealing with sensitive political, security or national issues.
It warned that failure to verify information before sharing it could contribute to unnecessary alarm, panic and instability, potentially having far-reaching consequences for Zambia’s economy and peace.
Disinformation Can Lead to Legal Consequences
The ZCSA further reminded the public that certain forms of deliberately deceptive online activity may attract criminal liability under Zambia’s cyber laws.
The Agency cited Section 19(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4, which it said prohibits a person from intentionally and without lawful authority using a computer or computer system to relay or retransmit communications intended to deceive or mislead users regarding the origin of such communication.
The advisory states that a person convicted under the cited provision may face a fine and imprisonment of between two and seven years.
The ZCSA also referred to Section 20 of the Cyber Crimes Act, which addresses the use of computer systems for activities that constitute offences under written law.
The Agency therefore urged citizens to avoid creating or spreading disinformation and warned against engaging in online activities that could place them on the wrong side of the law.
The ZCSA said responsible use of digital technology is essential to protecting Zambia’s peace, stability and national security.
It has since called on citizens to stop, check and verify information before sharing it, particularly when dealing with claims capable of provoking fear, political tension or public unrest.
As Zambia continues to navigate the post-election period, the Agency said citizens have an important role to play in preventing the spread of false information and protecting the country’s digital and information environment.
