Encryption Law by Country
Where strong encryption is a right, restricted, or compelled. National law and policy, mirrored per country.
Source: Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption, updated 2026-07-02. Full data at www.gp-digital.org/world-map-of-encryption
Encryption Law by Country (196)
General right to encryption
Section 85 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2009 provides that individuals may use encryption, regardless of the algorithm, key length or implementation technique or medium, provided that they do so in accordance with the Act. A copy of the law can be found here .
Mandatory minimum or maximum encryption strength
No known legislation or policies.
Licensing/registration requirements
Sections 22 and 23 Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2009 establish a register of all cryptography providers. Unless they are registered with the Communications Authority, a person cannot provide cryptograph services or products. Provision of cryptograph services or productions without registration is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine of up to 700,000 penalty units (210,000 ZMK) or both. A copy of the law can be found here .
Import/export controls
No known legislation or policies.
Other restrictions
Section 85 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2009 creates a criminal offence of using encryption to obstruct or impede a law enforcement officer, or to interfere with the performance by a law enforcement officer of any functions under the Act, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 penalty units (60,000 ZMK), or both. A copy of the law can be found here .
Obligations on individuals to assist authorities
No known legislation or policies.
Obligations on providers to assist authorities
No known legislation or policies.
Assessment Text Area
The law in Zambia requires that anyone providing cryptograph services or products be registered with the Communications Authority. Provision of cryptograph services or productions without registration is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment, a fine or both. It is also a criminal offence of using encryption to obstruct or impede a law enforcement officer, or to interfere with the performance by a law enforcement officer, punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine.
Murphy's Law