Effects of User Awareness on Privacy Protection of the Internet User in Tanzania. A Case Study of Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of user awareness on privacy protection of the Internet user. In conducting this study, the researcher employed by theory of planned behaviour by Ajzen (1985) and the descriptive research design and mixed research approach whereby data was collected from 98 respondents through questionnaire and interview. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS for quantitative data and thematic analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data obtained through interview. The results obtained from regression analysis shows that User Awareness (UA) has (β = .315, p< .001). These findings conclude that there is a positive and significant relationship between user awareness and the privacy protection behaviours among internet users. From the findings it can be concluded that user of internet needs to be aware of what data is being collected, how it be used and who will have access. This study recommends that the management of DCEA should conduct privacy impacts assessment, it also recommends that DCEA should provide an improved regular training and awareness programs for employees, moreover, it also recommends the use of data encryption services this will ensure that sensitive data are encrypted and protected in transit and at rest to protect it from unauthorized access, particularly in the event of breach or data loss. Lastly it recommends on improvement on incident response measures, whereby DCEA is required to improve its comprehensive incidence response plan for data breaches or privacy incidents, outlining how to detect, report and respond to such event promptly.