The Mozambican Government has assured that the revision of cybersecurity and cybercrime laws does not aim to restrict access to or use of the Internet in the country, stating that the initiative is intended only to strengthen the protection of the State, institutions and citizens in the digital space.
According to the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM), the assurance was given on Thursday (12) by the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation, Américo Muchanga, during the Government Question Session in the Assembly of the Republic in Maputo.
According to the minister, the update of the legislation responds to new challenges posed by the information society, at a time when the Internet has become a central tool for the country’s economic, social and technological development.
Muchanga said the digital environment presents both opportunities and risks, which is why it requires adequate legal mechanisms to prevent abuse and illegal activities.
“The Internet, dear representatives of the people of Mozambique, should be seen as an instrument of liberation, but also as an extremely dangerous instrument for society if there is no control over it,” he stated.
During the parliamentary debate, Elísio Muaquina, a member of parliament from the Podemos party, argued that the legislation under preparation should not become a tool to block the digital space, stressing the need to ensure respect for fundamental freedoms and technological innovation.
“The country needs a strong, critical and responsible parliament, and our parliamentary group is here to serve the people,” he declared.
In response, Muchanga compared the Internet to a highway that can be used for both legitimate purposes and illegal practices, arguing that the State must create mechanisms to prevent crimes committed through digital platforms.
“If we do not have the ability to prevent highways from being used to transport illicit goods, we will passively contribute to technological highways, such as the Internet, being used to commit acts that threaten public peace and the security of our State,” he stressed.
The minister added that the digital space brings together different types of users and requires balanced regulation to ensure the responsible use of platforms.
“The Internet is like a forest where all species exist, including butterflies and fierce animals. Therefore, it is important, as regulators, as a Government and as responsible members of society, to ensure that everyone who uses the Internet can do so safely,” he said.
Muchanga also stressed that the exercise of individual freedoms must be accompanied by responsibility, particularly when the use of digital technologies may affect others or put collective security at risk.
The draft law currently being prepared is expected to cover both public and private entities, including network operators, intermediary service providers, electronic communications operators, digital platforms and individual users.
The Government argues that strengthening the legal framework will help consolidate trust in the digital environment and create conditions for the Internet to continue to be used as a tool for development, education and innovation in Mozambique.
