By Derick Tsimba

Public consultations on the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill were held in Gwanda today where emphasis was called for the Cyber Security Bill to control access to private information.

Giving submissions for the joint public consultations on the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill held by the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security, Portfolio Committee on ICT, Postal and Courier Services and Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services, former Gwanda Mayor, Rido Mpofu said the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill  should control access to private information.

“The control of access to private information should be put in place as technicians are facing challenges. Private information can be hacked and exposed, there is need to have a law to block hacking and spreading of private information before it gets anywhere. The Bill must also promote the lawful use of information technology.

“Digital transfer of money must also be controlled as it is resulting in Cyber crimes, people are getting rich over night by stealing from unsuspecting internet users who are lured to transfer money over the internet,” he said.

The Thematic Committee Chairman David Parirenyatwa, said all the submissions were going to be presented to Parliament with no additions.

“All of you who made submissions have touched on the main issues that will enable an informed decision, I thank you all for your contributions, we are going to submit them to Parliament,” he said.

The public is welcoming the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill, people are much aware that the Bill can protect them from hackers by ensuring internet users adhere to stipulated regulations by the law, the Harare Post has learnt.