Despite rapid digital growth in Bangladesh and awareness of online scams and data security, many internet users skip privacy policies due to their complexity, leading to significant gaps in online privacy practices, a new study by Userhub, the country’s leading UX and human-centred innovation group, has said.
Led by Jannatul Nayim Chowdhury and supervised by Wahid bin Ahsan, the study, titled “Online Privacy Awareness in Bangladesh: Challenges and Solutions,” used qualitative methods to gather insights from diverse internet users across the country.
The study, published recently, found that most internet users frequently share their personal information, such as photographs and contact numbers, on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
There is limited awareness of internet privacy laws and security features like encryption and two-factor authentication among the participants, the study reads.
Participants reported account hacks and financial losses, leading to distress and temporary account closures, it said.
The study also revealed that most participants have not participated in privacy awareness campaigns or programmes, with only a few gaining knowledge about scams and phishing.
Those who attended awareness programmes became aware and were able to avoid online scams.
However, these programmes are often arranged for high-ranking government officials rather than the general public, the study added.
The study recommended organising more awareness programmes, workshops, courses, seminars, and training sessions at educational institutions.
Implementing measures to raise public awareness of internet privacy laws and regulations is also crucial, it said.
Additionally, the study stressed the importance of providing training in online privacy for professionals in the technology or software sectors.
Educating individuals on the consequences of revealing personal information online and the use of pirated software is equally important, it added.
The study also suggested launching government advertising campaigns to enhance awareness among all age groups, using media such as films, series, dramas, and talk shows.
Encouraging regular reading to develop critical thinking and awareness of personal privacy was highlighted as a key recommendation in the study as well.
These results and recommendations point to the necessity of strong privacy laws and extensive educational programmes to raise online privacy knowledge and practices in Bangladesh.
