Govt reveals spy plans

GOVERNMENT'S blueprint for tackling internet crime opens the door to spying on people's digital communications without proper oversight and transparency.

One of the primary focuses of the Electronic Transactions and Cybercrime Bill, a copy of which is in The Namibian's possession, is to intercept digital communications. Apart from regulating all manner of electronic transactions, the proposed law outlines a raft of online crimes and seeks to protect consumers who use electronic devices and telecommunication services or transact online. The draft law also seeks to shield telecommunication service providers, such as MTC, from the actions of their customers, while strengthening measures to curb child pornography. Information minister Tjekero Tweya announced in the National Assembly in February that he would be tabling the bill.