Govt steps up fight against AI-driven cybercrime rising online scams

By: Envaalde Matheus
The government plans to introduce a national system for authentication of information sources in response to a rise in AI-driven scams and cyberattacks in Namibia.
Information minister Emma Theofelus told Parliament on Thursday that Namibians are increasingly falling victim to deep fakes, synthetic media, and social media fraud.
She said the introduction will enable citizens to validate the credibility information they receive by cross-checking it against a database of verified institutional accounts and communication channels.
“These lessons were learned during election periods where there is a need for citizens to actively fact-check information and data given to them by media houses, public figures, or any other political actors,” he said.
Theofelus added that the ministry will develop a comprehensive public campaign to sensitize citizens on the dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and misinformation.
She said the campaign will include multimedia content in indigenous languages, community workshops, and social media engagement using trusted influencers and public figures.
She said the government has noticed an escalating incident of scams and cyberattacks in AI-driven scams and cyberattacks in Namibia.
Over 703,900 Namibians use platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok, making them prime targets for digital manipulation.
“With the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into everyday communication systems, we have witnessed a sharp uptick in scams, synthetic media, deep fakes, and other forms of digital deception targeting unsuspecting Namibians,” she said.
Theofelus said the cyber incidents pose a serious threat to individuals’ privacy and financial security, and to the national trust and social cohesion.
The minister said the rise in artificial intelligence in everyday communication has made it easier for criminals to produce convincing fake videos, images and messages.
She acknowledged that Namibia currently lacks legislation specific to AI and relies on existing laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act and the Penal Code.
“In the meantime, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is actively investigating recent incidents of scams perpetrated through telecommunications.”
“We are working closely with service providers in the telecommunications and banking sectors to trace malicious actors and to strengthen cybersecurity protocols across our digital infrastructure.” she said
The minister stressed that the country is now drafting: a Cybercrime Bill, a Data Protection Bill, and an Artificial Intelligence Bill aligned with AU and UNESCO standards.
Theofelus urged parents to monitor children’s online activities, warning that many underage users are exposed to online scams and abuse through devices provided by their guardians.
She also called on citizens to verify announcements or government news through official platforms managed by her office.
The minister said regional ICT leaders are also working on a continental framework through the African Union, where a new AI Council will help guide all member states.
“MICT has rolled out a digital literacy programme throughout the country, which will now also educate participants on the responsible use of AI and empower them with skills to reduce the negative impact of AI as part of the course material,” she said.
Theofelus said the ministry is developing a National Digital Literacy Framework through its ongoing two-year training programme to help citizens better navigate the digital space and combat misinformation.
“We are launching the Namibia Cyber Incidence Response Team and its Website on 14 April 2025, which will create an avenue to fight cybercrimes,” she said.

The post Govt steps up fight against AI-driven cybercrime rising online scams first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Govt steps up fight against AI-driven cybercrime rising online scams appeared first on Future Media News.