97% smartphone users concerned over privacy, security issues: study

A staggering 97 percent of mobile internet users in Bangladesh are concerned about the privacy and security issues while using their phone, found a report by global telecom company Telenor.

The report titled "Telenor Asia Digital Lives Decoded" is based on a study of over 8,000 people across eight countries in Asia, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The aim of the study is to decode behaviors and attitudes towards mobile connectivity and demonstrate how it is reshaping the way people in Asia live, work and play.

Among the eight countries, Bangladeshis are the most concerned about keeping pace with rapidly changing technology, with about 97 percent expressing concern that their digital skills may not be sufficient to get the most out of technology in the coming years.

Bangladeshis (about 57 percent) also ranked among its regional peers as one of the most optimistic about new income streams that smartphones have opened up.

Around 91 percent of respondents in Bangladesh said mobile use improved their quality of life, while about 73 percent expected to increase their use of smartphones in the next 12 to 24 months.

More women (about 59 percent) than men (about 50 percent) opined that mobile phones had significantly improved their quality of life. About 51 percent of women found a better quality of life from enhanced access to services and apps for healthcare, financial services and education while only around 37 percent of males said it contributed to a better quality of life.

About 74 percent of Bangladeshi respondents believe that digital access is very important for them to lead greener lives in the future by reducing paper and waste and offering more efficient communication.

About 48 percent of Bangladeshi said they were using technology in a productive way.

Around 73 percent of Bangladeshi respondents believe their company is currently missing out on revenue opportunities because of underdeveloped usage of mobile technology.

According to users, barriers to fully utilising mobile technology at work in Bangladesh include privacy and security concerns (61 percent), lack of skills and knowledge (60 percent) and a lack of trust in technology (49 percent).

Manisha Dogra, head of external relations at Telenor Asia, said: "Our Digital Lives Decoded study highlights that mobile connectivity improves people's quality of life, opens up economic opportunities and brings better access to essential services like education and health.

"Progressive policies that encourage innovation and adoption of new technology are crucial to furthering mobile adoption and strengthening a competitive and thriving digital economy in Bangladesh. We need to continue co-creating together, leveraging each other's strengths and expertise to tap into future possibilities and achieve the potential of a Smart Bangladesh in a way that benefits all."

The report said embracing mobile connectivity is key to achieving the potential of Bangladesh.