Assessing the Relevance of the Existing Legal Regime in Tanzania for Data Protection

Mamba, Elizabeth Andrew (2013) Assessing the Relevance of the Existing Legal Regime in Tanzania for Data Protection. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Tanzania is among countries embarked upon the use of ICT for national development. One of the major challenges is cyber security, which if not dealt with; it results into undesirable adverse consequences. The research examines Tanzania’s efforts in overcoming the challenges in a legal perspective and make necessary recommendations for drastic measures to be taken. Chapter one introduces the research work, giving the essence of personal data protection. The statement of the problem is that cyber security in Tanzania is poor to date despite the country indulging into the use of ICT as a fact of life. The background of the existing problem is identified as lack of relevant laws to match with e-crimes compelling law enforcers to use traditional laws. The government’s hesitant behaviour is also a backdrop of the problem. The main objectives of the study are to critically examine the Tanzanian position on personal data protection and assessing the existing legal framework and the extent of cyber crime. The study is significant to point out the risks of failure to install a sound legal framework and recommend measures to be taken. Chapter two discusses personal data protection issues, nature of data, supply, processing, storage, its flow, control and its use. Chapter three covers research methodology which involved text books, statutes, journals, and other online materials plus personal interviews. Chapter four gives current status of cyber security in Tanzania resulting from the research. The status of cyber security in Tanzania is confirmed to be still poor for lack of the necessary legal framework. Personal data protection is absent putting privacy rights at a menace. Chapter six makes observations, recommendations and conclusions of the research work, recommending for radical measures for the Government to formulate a sound legal framework for information security and enact personal data protection law.

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