Malawi: Mukhito Vows Crackdown On Digital Deception - Freedom of Expression Does Not Cover Fraud

What the report says

Malawi’s Homeland Security Ministry says a man accused of circulating fake government statements has been arrested, in a case that officials are using to highlight the spread of digital deception. According to the report carried by Nyasa Times through AllAfrica, the suspect, Emmanuel Soko, is alleged to have distributed bogus documents in the name of the Office of the President and Cabinet.

The disputed statements reportedly claimed that journalists would be blocked from covering President Peter Mutharika’s return from South Africa and falsely said the president had taken a seven-day holiday. Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito said the investigation is ongoing and stressed that Soko remains presumed innocent unless a court proves otherwise.

Mukhito also used the case to warn about the misuse of artificial intelligence, social media, and other digital tools to impersonate officials, spread falsehoods, and create manipulated audio or video content. He said Malawi’s constitutional protections for free expression do not extend to fraud, impersonation, or threats.

The minister further cautioned that people posting from outside Malawi are still subject to the law, and said police would continue pursuing digital crimes, including with help from international law-enforcement partners when necessary. The case underscores growing concern across the region about how online platforms can be used to circulate misleading state-related information.