Protection of children’s rights to privacy in cyberspace: A bird’s eye view over the Tanzanian legal framework

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.