The controversial legislation, passed by parliament last year, has faced sharp criticism both at home and abroad. While local activists claim that it muzzles freedom of expression, the United States government’s Millennium Challenge Corp.
(MCC) cancelled financial aid worth more than 1 trillion/- to Tanzania in March citing this particular law as one of the main reasons for the move.
But according to CJ Othman, the Act seeks to protect three-quarters of Tanzanians – including children – who own mobile phone handsets from falling victim to cyber criminals.
He made the remarks in London on Saturday during a meeting with Tanzanians residing in the United Kingdom, which was also attended by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
“The Chief Justice … said the Cybercrimes Act was enacted in good faith to protect members of society and the national security of Tanzania,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
According to the country’s top judge, the law safeguards freedom of speech, which is a constitutional right of every Tanzanian, and at the same time protects citizens from abuse of their privacy rights.
Among major concerns raised by local opposition politicians and human rights activists is that the cybercrimes law is being used to target specific people who are deemed hostile to the government.
There have been claims that local law enforcement officials abused the law to justify the arrest of several opposition supporters during last year’s general election. The government has denied the accusations.
In cancelling its $472 million aid package to Tanzania back in March, the MCC said in a statement: “The (MCC) board … sought assurances from the government of Tanzania that the Cybercrimes Act would not be used to limit freedom of expression and association, in light of arrests made during the (2015) elections.”
“The government of Tanzania has not taken measures to ensure freedom of expression and association are respected in the implementation of the Cybercrimes Act,” the statement added.