Privacy concerns plague 97pc mobile internet users: study

About 97 per cent of mobile internet users in Bangladesh are concerned about privacy and security of their mobile device, according to a study.

The same percentage worry about not having the skills required if one was to stay on top of technological changes.

The study titled "The Digital Lives Decoded" was conducted by Grameenphone's parent company Telenor's Asia division.

The study's findings were revealed at an event at Sheraton Dhaka yesterday, where Jorgen C Rostrup, chairman of Grameenphone and head of Telenor Asia, was present.

The study involved 8,000 mobile internet users across eight markets -- Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- in South and Southeast Asia marking Telenor's 25th anniversary in Asia.

Bangladeshi respondents are the users most concerned. Younger respondents are more concerned, 68 per cent of whom are Gen Z respondents and 69 per cent millennials.

The study involved 8,000 mobile internet users across eight markets, including Bangladesh, in South and Southeast Asia

About 91 per cent of Bangladeshi respondents believe that mobile usage improves quality of life, the study found.

Almost all respondents said they keep their phone with them for a significant period of the day, with one in five never without their phone.

However, around 71 per cent of Bangladeshi respondents believe they strike a good balance on technology use.

In Bangladesh, 91 per cent of users use their phones for at least half of their day, with 20 per cent of respondents always using their phones.

The acceleration in digital adoption of the past two years showed no sign of slowing down, with 73 per cent of Bangladeshis expecting to increase their mobile use in the next 12 months to 24 months, according to the study.

The study shows that people are optimistic about the potential of mobile technology to help them lead a more sustainable life.

Some 74 per cent of Bangladeshi respondents believe that digital access is very beneficial in leading a greener life.

Another 69 per cent of Bangladeshi respondents believe that the greatest benefits come in the areas of reducing paper use and waste while 74 per cent said they were being able to communicate more efficiently.

The study has also pointed out the greater potential of mobile usage.

Respondents believe that mobile connectivity can play a significant role in promoting inclusion – with mobile connectivity ensuring greater access to essential services such as education (64 per cent) and healthcare services (55 per cent) for people.

Interestingly, the study also found that more women than men find that mobile connectivity has enhanced their options for working and generating income as well as helping them achieve greater efficiency and productivity.

"Compared to before the pandemic, mobile data usage has more than doubled in most Asian markets, reshaping how we communicate at work and home. This study also revealed where digital gaps remain," said Rostrup.

"The need to understand these gaps is becoming more important to policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike. Insights from this study can thus act as a map of where to bridge the widest digital divides," he said.

Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, said he was glad to see that their efforts were paying off as connectivity has been instrumental in ensuring equal opportunities for all.

"We hope the ongoing digitalisation and innovation leads to a sustainable and better tomorrow," he said.