A new digital media survey has revealed that Kenyans are the most careless on the internet.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report reveals that majority of Kenyans are less troubled by the security of personal data that they choose to share on the internet; out of 10 Kenyans, only four being concerned.
This, the report states, is the lowest level in the world when compared to the global average of eight in every 10 users, meaning that many Kenyans are vulnerable to cyber fraud.
"While there appears to be increasing concerns about data privacy and online security around the world, there is somewhat a ‘data privacy paradox’, as users continue to give away personal data and thus their privacy in exchange for different services,” the report published last Wednesday reads in part.
While some may dispute the report for whatever reasons, there are many examples that speak loudly in support of the report as we enumerate below.
1. Cambridge Analytica scandal
In the run-up to 2017 General election, Cambridge Analytical, a British election consultancy firm, is said to have used the vulnerabilities of Kenyans on Facebook to help President Uhuru Kenyatta win the August 2017 poll. The company has, however, rubbished those claims as untrue.
2.Thika KCB heist
When the thugs who perpetrated the multimillion shillings crime two years ago at KCB Thika branch, Kenyans on social media hailed them as 'smart' thugs saying the way they executed the crime was only capable in a movie.
However, their 'smartness' would shortly be eroded by their social media recklessness which culminated to their arrest. One of the suspects' girlfriend had before the arrest posted selfies on Facebook flaunting with bundles of banknotes.
3. Surge in number of social media swindlers
From fake social media posts purporting to advertise jobs from reputable companies, to swindlers posting graphic photos of sick people and asking for donations, it is just an indication of how Kenyans on social media are eager to jump on anything and act on it without verifying the credibility of the same.
Therefore, if one is eager to consume whatever they come across the internet, what will stop them from sharing all manner of information about them?
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