MACRA hosts a Digital Rights workshop In Lilongwe

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to enhance public awareness of digital laws and data protection, emphasizing their implications for individual rights. Speaking at a Digital Rights workshop in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Presidential Advisor on Non-State Actors, Martha Kwataine, who was the Guest of Honour, acknowledged MACRA for organizing the event. She underscored the crucial role of CSOs in educating the public on digital legislation. “As CSOs, we advocate for human rights, and in this digital era, understanding digital laws is vital given the widespread use of online platforms,” she said.

MACRA’s Director General, Daud Suleman, highlighted the lack of comprehensive legislation defining digital crimes as a major challenge in tackling illegal activities in the digital space. He stated that MACRA is prioritizing legal reforms to strengthen the national legislative framework, as the existing laws, enacted in 2016, contain significant gaps. “Digital literacy and awareness remain critical challenges in the country. We must collaborate with stakeholders and CSOs to educate the public on digital laws and data protection,” he said. “With Malawi’s high internet penetration, it is essential to implement robust safety measures to mitigate digital threats,” he added.

He further stressed the need for sustained efforts to promote awareness of digital regulations and maintain ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders. “Although the Cybersecurity Act has been in force since 2016, many people remain unaware of its provisions, leading to inadvertent cybercrimes on digital platforms,” Suleman explained.

In his remarks during the workshop, MACRA’s Head of IT, Steve Pelete, presented the regulatory tools MACRA is implementing in the communications sector to ensure quality service for consumers. These efforts align with MACRA’s mandate to provide, as far as practicable, reliable and affordable communication services across Malawi. “These tools include the Central Equipment Identity Register, the Revenue Assurance System, the broadcasting monitoring system, and the type approval regime,”he said

The workshop covered key topics, including an overview of the Data Protection Act 2024, the legal framework for digital rights, and the role of CSOs in digital policy advocacy.

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