Abstract:
Children’s privacy rights in cyberspace are essential aspects of today’s digital age.
T
h is is because children’s exposure to cyberspace is inevitable given its relevance
in children’s communication, education, recreation opportunities and cultural
exchange. Moreover, these rights underpin other important rights, namely,
dignity, public participation, information access, freedom of expression and
right to associate. The right becomes more pressing given an increase in children’s
connectivity in cyberspace. Th is article focuses on unveiling the inevitable ever
growing landscape of child exposure to cyberspace in Tanzania and the current and
potential privacy risks associated with their navigation in cyberspace. The article
also explores the legal and policy challenges, implications and eff orts to address
these challenges. Th e study employs doctrinal analysis, archival research and case study methodologies. Appropriate human rights instruments of international
nature were studied to situate the discussion to a broader perspective. Additionally,
secondary materials such as government reports, surveys, reports from non-state
actors and newspapers were used. The approach ensures a thorough analysis of
the complex socio-legal issues surrounding children’s privacy in cyberspace. The
study further employs a comparative analysis and bench marking of the existing
legal and policy framework against international best practices and standards.
T
he purpose is to draw lessons from and to inform the suggested reforms in the
law on minors’ privacy in Tanzania. The article underscores that, for children
to peacefully access and exploit opportunities brought by the virtual world, a
comprehensive legal and policy framework tailored towards protecting children’s
rights in cyberspace becomes essential. Collective measures between actors are
imperative in safeguarding children’s privacy rights in cyberspace.
