Leader of Opposition requests MACRA to suspend Surveillance Device Procurement
Leader of Opposition in Parliament has requested Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority MACRA to suspend the process of procuring surveillance device worth 3 billion kwacha for monitoring social media
In a statement George Chaponda said process is a clear misuse of public funds at a time Malawians are struggling with rising cost of living.
While MACRA says the device will help to monitor misinformation and promote digital literacy, Chaponda claims that the device is a threat to the country’s democracy.
He adds that the procurement process lacks public consultation and oversight which raises questions about its true intent.
Chaponda therefore says the process should be stopped until parliament fully reviews and evaluate its necessity and alignment with national priorities.
Meanwhile, MACRA) has announced that the machine which is the integrated system will monitor fake news, misinformation, disinformation and analyse trends in Malawi.
MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman told the press that the system has nothing to do with surveillance, censoring or abuse of digital rights but will help to mitigate the spread of misleading information.
He stated that they have followed all procurement laws adding the machine will help grow the digital space in the country.
According to MACRA, the procurement process is still ongoing and open to any input or objections until 27th January when it will officially be implemented.
