EDITORIAL: Erase the grey areas in spy law

In principle, we agree with the proposed surveillance law. However, it has huge implications for the privacy of citizens and the ability of journalists to do their work without hindrance, especially when implemented outside the confines of its letter and spirit.

And that cannot be ruled out. Many rogue elements in various governments, ours included, have abused this provision to advance unofficial agendas, including factional political battles.

In Namibia, there are so many cringeworthy moments already regarding this spy law. The secrecy is giving us bad vibes about what might become our reality in years to come when all this is fully operationalised.

The conditions and scenarios of invoking this law are not clear, just as who would authorise these interceptions. For example, independent judicial oversight is one of the most cardinal ingredients of effective intelligence oversight.

However, in countries like USA, spy agencies can resist judicial scrutiny by hiding behind the blanket of national security.

Until the nuts and bolts of Namibia’s surveillance plan and scenarios of invoking it are clearly spelled out, doubt will linger on why more powers to spy on people are being sought.



All in all, there is no doubt that fighting cybercrime has become more imperative than ever – and intercepting communication, legally, is an inalienable component of that.