MACRA REFUTES SURVAILANCE CLAINS

By Kondwani Nyondo

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) Director General, Daud Suleman, has dismissed public concerns about the organization engaging in intrusive surveillance. 

Speaking at a workshop for civil society organizations in Lilongwe he said while hacking is technically possible, it is not something Macra pursues.

He further said that Macra lacks the resources and technology for such actions.


He said:  “From an investment perspective, we want more people to use digital devices, which benefits everyone. If people fear surveillance, they may avoid the digital space, and we all lose.”

He argued  that the law prohibits Macra from conducting intrusive surveillance, citing a Supreme Court ruling on the matter. “Intrusive surveillance is unethical and amounts to hacking,” he added.

Mtheto Lungu, Programmes Manager for the Malawi Council of Churches, commended Macra for addressing the issue and stressed the importance of protecting privacy rights. “Intrusion is intrusion, no matter how it’s described,” he said.

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