How digital tech transforms every aspect of life

TANZANIA: OVER the course of a few decades, digital technology has completely transformed our world to the extent of reshaping every aspect of our lives.

From the emergence of computers to the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, the evolution of digital technology has been truly and extraordinary revolutionised how we communicate, work, study and entertain ourselves.

With its ever-expanding capabilities, digital technology has not only connected people across the globe, but it has also enabled instant communication through social media, eliminating the need for long-distance travel, saving time and reducing expenses.

Governments and authorities have embraced this evolving technology in various ways, including its development, regulation and policy formulation. Tanzania has harnessed the power of digital technology to allow its citizens to access information, conduct online business and socialise directly from their smartphones.

Moreover, Tanzania has successfully secured a crucial orbital position for its inaugural broadcasting satellite, further enhancing its digital infrastructure. Recently, during the online safety training seminar held in Dar es Salaam, the Director of Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr Jabiri Bakari, emphasised the significance of digital technology, highlighting the country’s increasing number of smartphone users and internet usage.

“The latest report, covering the quarter ending in December last year, shows that the number of internet users in our country has reached approximately 35.8 million, with the number of smartphones reaching 19.8 million. These statistics indicate significant growth in internet usage,” he stated.

However, despite the numerous advantages of digital technology, its drawbacks and side effects have become evident, posing challenges for members of society.

The cyber space has become an open sky for everyone to explore, leading some individuals to find opportunities that bring joy and smiles, while others fall victim to misfortunes that leave them in tears.

According to the Communication Statistics quarterly report released by the TCRA in December 2023, a significant increase in cybercrime was recorded in Tanzania, with a total of 21,788 fraud incidents reported compared to 12,603 cases in the same period of 2022. As the number of internet users continues to rise, the risk to individuals’ safety also escalates.

This shows that if the issue is not prematurely regulated it might cause a mess to a bigger population especially the vulnerable one. In recognition with the cyber security, every second week of February each year, Safer Internet Day is being celebrated globally, to raise awareness and sensitisation over cybercrime, calling individuals, families, and communities to take action and ensure a safer digital world. By this year, the commemoration came with the theme “Inspiring Change.

Making a Difference, Managing Influence and Navigating Change Online” reflecting a proactive approach to fostering a positive and secure online experience.

Tanzania joined the global community in commemorating the day by organising an online safety training seminar for communication stakeholders, to women entrepreneurs and bodabodas.

Ms Jackline Mwatenga, a communication stakeholder from Mbweni Women Entrepreneurs, emphasised the importance of the seminar in enhancing understanding and becoming responsible ambassadors in the community.

She also highlighted the need to align internet usage with the country’s laws and avoid any challenges that may arise from non-compliance.

“Everything is now reliant on the internet, and as entrepreneurs, we use online platforms to reach our customers. It helps us in communication, so it is essential to know how to use these platforms. Also, not being aware of the law does not exempt you from legal consequences,” she noted.

To ensure a safe cyber space, the Tanzanian government has revealed its plans to combat cybercrime by joining the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, which is scheduled to be executed by 2025. Deputy Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Eng Kundo Mathew, shared this information during a recent National Assembly session in Dodoma.

“We will join the United Nation Cybercrime Convention, which will be ready by 2025,” he noted.

The move will help Tanzania in combating any chaos that may rise in a cyberspace in line with the help of the Cybercrime Act of 2015 which was formulated in the influence of the Budapest Cybercrime Convention.

As staying safe online has become increasingly challenging due to innovative cyber fraud techniques, safe browsing should be observed. It’s advisable to secure your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data in real time.

A strong passwords that are a combination of uppercase and lower-case letters, symbols and numbers can be a remedy to guard your cyber space. Avoid easily guessable choices and refrain from reusing passwords across multiple sites.

Verifying links before clicking on them is also vital. Hover over the link to see the actual URL, and be cautious with emails requesting personal information.

Verify the legitimacy of the sender and ensure websites begin with “https” for secure browsing. Additionally to keep your devices regularly updated will patch vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. Log out of accounts when using public or shared devices to protect your privacy and prevent unauthorised access. But also sticking to reputable websites for shopping, banking and sharing personal information is much safer.

Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.

Moreover it is advisable to install a reliable antivirus software and devices to be scanned regularly to detect and remove online safety training.