By Rahim Abdul
In a significant development for Malawi’s digital landscape, the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act of 2016 is undergoing a crucial revision.
Misa Malawi, a key advocate for media freedom and access to information, has welcomed this move, citing its potential to create a more conducive environment for media houses to operate on social media platforms.
According to Golden Matonga, Misa Malawi’s chairperson, the revised Act will not only facilitate smoother media operations on social media but also play a critical role in combating misinformation and disinformation.
“The revision of this Act will help media houses operate freely on different social media platforms they are on,” Matonga emphasized.
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is spearheading the review process, aiming to incorporate new areas that require regulation to bolster the country’s cyber security framework.
This move underscores the importance of adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape and ensuring that regulatory frameworks are robust enough to address emerging challenges.
The revision of the Act has the potential to strike a balance between promoting media freedom and regulating social media content to prevent the spread of misinformation.
