Zambia’s police service has issued a formal warning against the creation and spread of misleading AI-generated content targeting senior government officials. The police say the practice is illegal and threatens public safety and national security.
The Zambia Police Service issued the warning on June 21, 2026, through Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi. Chilabi said the service has noted with concern the misuse of AI technology to create and distribute deceptive digital content depicting acts of violence and other offensive material directed at senior public officials.
The police warned that appropriate and decisive legal action will be taken against any individual found to have created, distributed or shared material intended to mislead the public or cause alarm.
Legal Framework Against AI Misuse
The creation, publication and dissemination of false, manipulated or misleading content through computer systems are offences under Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025 and other applicable laws. The Cyber Crimes Act covers producing or spreading deepfakes for monetary benefits, exploiting AI-changed content for defamation or coercion, and other digital wrongdoings.
The Police Service, working together with other law enforcement agencies, has intensified investigations into the creation and circulation of such content. Chilabi reaffirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding public order and ensuring that individuals who misuse digital technologies to spread falsehoods face justice.
Rising AI Misuse During Election Period
The police warning comes amid a surge in AI-generated fake content as Zambia prepares for general elections in August 2026. The spread of fabricated digital content, particularly material targeting members of the Defence and Security Wings, has the potential to undermine public confidence and national security.
The Zambia Army has also cautioned the public against the abuse of social media platforms and the misuse of AI tools to create and circulate content that ridicules, defames or undermines state institutions and constitutionally established office holders. Army Spokesperson Sydney Mwewa said there has been an increase in misleading AI-generated videos circulating on some online platforms. Such content has the potential to incite soldiers and threaten the peace and stability the country currently enjoys.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has also been targeted. The commission issued a public advisory refuting a fabricated video circulating on social media that falsely claims ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis was arrested for being found with pre-marked ballot papers. ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the video is baseless, misleading and AI-generated.
Previous Incidents of AI Impersonation
This is not the first time AI-generated content has targeted Zambian officials. In February 2026, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, warned the public against subscribing to an illegal money-making scheme featuring him in an AI-generated video. The scam involved an AI-generated video falsely portraying the minister as endorsing illegal investment products. The Zambia Police Service and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority investigated the matter.
In June 2026, the government warned the public against creating, distributing or sharing an alleged AI-generated video purportedly showing former President Edgar Lungu undergoing a post-mortem examination. Authorities said individuals were producing and circulating the video in an attempt to provoke emotions and influence the electoral process.
Public Responsibility in the Digital Age
Chilabi urged members of the public to exercise caution and responsibility when creating or sharing information on digital platforms. The Zambian Army also urged citizens to verify information before sharing and avoid material that may incite division, public disorder or disrespect towards national institutions.
The police and army have made it clear that law enforcement will deal with offenders without fear or favour. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and those responsible for creating and circulating such content will be held accountable under the law.
