Online safety & content laws in Botswana (2026)

Legal framework

Multi-law patchwork: Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Act 2018, Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2014, Digital Services Act 2025, Cybersecurity Act 2025 (Act 21 of 2025), Data Protection Act 2024, all overseen by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA)

Key points: internet & online safety in Botswana

1. 01Cybercrime Act 2018

   The Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Act 2018 criminalises unauthorised access, data interference, electronic fraud, identity theft, and distribution of illegal online content; BOCRA is the primary enforcement authority.

   bocra.org.bw bocra.org.bw

2. 02ISP liability & takedowns (ECTA 2014)

   The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2014 limits ISP liability through safe-harbour provisions (mere conduit, caching, hosting) and mandates BOCRA to administer takedown notices; ISPs that decline takedowns risk common-law liability.

   bocra.org.bw bocra.org.bw

3. 03Digital Services Act 2025

   Passed by Parliament on 14 August 2025 and in force from 21 November 2025, the Act establishes a Digital Services Authority, sets national digital-service standards, mandates interoperability, and gives public and private bodies a two-year window to provide accessible digital platforms; its focus is digital-economy transformation rather than content-moderation obligations.

   bocra.org.bw dailynews.gov.bw bwtechzone.com

4. 04Cybersecurity Act 2025 (Act 21)

   Also passed August 2025 and enacted as Act 21 of 2025, this law establishes cybersecurity governance structures, designates and protects critical information infrastructure, and formalises the National Computer Security Incident Response capacity under BOCRA oversight.

   botswanalaws.com bocra.org.bw

5. 05Data Protection Act 2024

   The Data Protection Act 2024 (No. 18 of 2024), in force from 14 January 2025, replaces the 2018 Act, expands the powers of the Information and Data Protection Commission, and tightens obligations on data controllers, relevant to online platforms processing Batswana users' data.

   misa.org

6. 06Internet openness & age verification

   Botswana's internet remains broadly open with no general social-media blocks or systematic censorship; online pornography is prohibited. No age-verification mandate for platforms or social-media restriction for minors has been enacted as of mid-2026.

   rsf.org bocra.org.bw

Timeline of decisions

1. 1 Jan 2012Law · official
   Communications Regulatory Authority Act 2012 (Act 19 of 2012) Enacted

   The CRA Act replaced separate broadcasting and telecommunications statutes with a unified legislative framework, establishing BOCRA with an explicit mandate to regulate internet and ICTs, protect consumers, and develop the internet market, the statutory foundation for all subsequent online-safety regulation.

   Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA)

Sources

1. 1.botswanalaws.com/bulletin/principal-legislation/bulletin-2025/act-21-of-2025---cyberse
2. 2.bocra.org.bw/cybercrime-and-computer-related-crimes-act-2018
3. 3.bocra.org.bw/electronic-communications-and-transactions-act-2014
4. 4.bocra.org.bw/node/62751
5. 5.bocra.org.bw/node/62799
6. 6.gov.bw/sites/default/files/2025-06/Digital%20Services%20Bill%20(revised%20dr
7. 7.dailynews.gov.bw/news-detail/88151
8. 8.bwtechzone.com/2025/08/digital-services-and-cybersecurity.html
9. 9.misa.org/blog/new-botswana-data-protection-act-progressive-step-to-a-more-secu
10. 10.rsf.org/en/country/botswana
11. 11.bocra.org.bw/sites/default/files/documents/18%20Act%2029-06-2018%20Cybercrime%20an
12. 12.bocra.org.bw/sites/default/files/Electronic-Communications-and-Transactions-Act-20
13. 13.bocra.org.bw/legislation