Do’s and Don’ts for Responsible Digital Practices According to Tanzanian Laws
Dear Teacher this document provides you with necessary information to become a responsible Digital person.
Tanzania’s Cybercrime Act (2015) and Its Relevance in Education
The Tanzania Cybercrime Act of 2015 provides legal protection against digital offenses that may harm the education sector. It addresses issues such as unauthorized access to school systems, publishing false information that could mislead learners, online harassment, and misuse of communication technologies. For teachers, awareness of this law not only strengthens personal digital security but also empowers them to instill values of digital citizenship in their students. By linking the Act to classroom practice, teachers can model safe behavior, prevent misuse of ICT in schools, and ensure technology supports—rather than threatens—the quality of learning.
This is clearly observed in cybercrime act,2015 section 23.
Do’s and Don’ts for Responsible Digital Practices According to Tanzanian Laws
The Tanzanian Cybercrimes Act (2015) and National ICT Policy (2016) provide clear guidelines for responsible use of digital technologies. The following Do’s and Don’ts aim to promote ethical and lawful digital behavior among educators, students, and ICT users in the education sector.
✅ DO’s (Responsible Digital Practices)
1. Use ICT Ethically and Legally
• Use computers, mobile phones, and the internet for lawful
and productive purposes.
• Follow institutional ICT rules when accessing e-learning systems or
databases.
2. Protect Personal and Institutional Data
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Log out from shared computers after use.
• Encrypt and back up sensitive data, such as student or staff information.
3. Verify Information Before Sharing
• Share only accurate and verified information.
• Confirm the credibility of online sources before posting or forwarding
information.
4. Respect Privacy and Intellectual Property
• Obtain consent before sharing others’ photos, videos, or
academic work.
• Credit the original authors when using others’ materials.
• Avoid using pirated software or content.
5. Report Cyber Offenses
• Report cyberbullying, hacking, or suspicious online
activity to ICT administrators or the Tanzania Police Cybercrime Unit.
• Support awareness programs on online safety within your institution.
❌ DON’Ts (Prohibited Digital Behaviors)
1. Do Not Access Systems Without Permission
• Unauthorized access to databases, exam systems, or emails is a criminal offense under Section 7 of the Cybercrimes Act (2015).
2. Do Not Spread False or Harmful Information
• Avoid publishing fake news, exam leaks, or defamatory
statements (Section 16).
• Sharing misinformation may lead to legal penalties including fines or
imprisonment.
3. Do Not Engage in Cyberbullying or Harassment
• Online bullying, threats, or humiliation are punishable
offenses (Section 23).
• Always maintain respect and professionalism in digital communication.
4. Do Not Impersonate Others
• Using another person’s account or digital identity without authorization violates Section 13 (Identity Theft).
5. Do Not Tamper with ICT Infrastructure
• Installing unauthorized software or interfering with ICT
systems is a crime (Section 11).
• Protect institutional ICT systems from harm or disruption.
⚖️ Legal and Educational Implications
• Offenders may face imprisonment (up to 3 years) or fines
depending on the severity of the offense.
• Educational institutions are required to promote digital responsibility and
safety under the National ICT Policy (2016).
• Regular cyber safety training should be conducted for staff and students.
Conclusion
Responsible digital use ensures safety, privacy, and trust in educational environments. By following these Do’s and Don’ts, users contribute to a safer and more productive digital society aligned with Tanzanian laws.