State 'not seeking surveillance' with cybersecurity bill
19 January 2017
Johannesburg -The Cabinet-approved cybercrimes and cybersecurity bill’s final draft will not give any power for the State Security Agency (SSA) to control the internet or spy on local users.
This is according to the Justice and Constitutional Development Department which on Thursday held a media briefing on the bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament in coming weeks after receiving Cabinet approval.
“There are misconceptions around the interception of data and allegations of the bill increasing the state’s surveillance powers," deputy minister of justice and constitutional development, John Jeffery said at a media briefing on the bill in Pretoria.
"It is incorrect to equate search and seizure under clause 27 of the bill as an extension of surveillance powers.