Experts Warn of Potential Overreach in Namibia’s Draft Cybercrime Legislation
Concerns were raised about broad offence definitions, intrusive investigative powers, and the necessity of clear safeguards to protect privacy and freedom of expression.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) in Namibia hosted a discussion on the human-rights implications of Namibia’s draft Cybercrime Bill on February 23, 2026. The event brought together government officials, experts, civil society activists, private sector representatives, media practitioners, and citizens to examine potential risks of overreach in the legislation, particularly regarding surveillance powers, online expression, and due-process safeguards.
While acknowledging the need to address cybercrime, the discussion emphasized that the Bill must be precise, proportionate, and firmly grounded in constitutional protections. Concerns were raised about broad offence definitions, intrusive investigative powers, and the necessity of clear safeguards to protect privacy and freedom of expression.
The conversation highlighted the importance of careful legislative drafting to ensure that measures to combat cybercrime do not inadvertently undermine fundamental rights. The IPPR thanked attendees for contributing to a substantive exchange and encouraged informed public dialogue on policy matters. A formal submission on the Bill was made to Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and is available for download from the IPPR website. The discussion was held in partnership with the Embassies of Ireland and Zambia.
