LUSAKA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's cabinet has approved the ratification of the African Union (AU) Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, a government spokesperson said on Thursday.
Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya, who is also information and broadcasting services minister, said there has been a rise in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the country which calls for protection of personal data of citizens not only within but across the continent.
"Cyber security is important because it encompasses everything that pertains to protecting our sensitive data, personally identifiable information, protected health information, intellectual property and government and industry information systems," she said, according to a release.
The convention, she said, represents commitments by member states to take measures on a range of issues, including cybercrime, cyber security, electronic transactions and protection of personal data.
According to her, the convention will facilitate member states to formulate appropriate legal frameworks that will empower their digital citizens and ensure that their respective online environment was trusted, safe, beneficial and empowering to all individuals.
Meanwhile, the cabinet also approved the revised national intellectual property policy for implementation by various stakeholders in both government and outside government.
The spokesperson noted that cabinet was convinced that the policy will ensure effective and efficient use of intellectual property as an instrument for stimulating socio-economic, industrial, technological and cultural development.
The focus of the revised policy is to strengthen capacities for innovation, creativity, research and development, she added. Enditem
