The law and the internet

Abstract

Preface provided by author:

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide practical and useful information, which could guide law and policy makers, the legal fraternity and internet users in general, on certain aspects relating to the right to privacy on the internet. I have designed it to help the reder recognize and deal with the legal issues, which, in the very near future, will be a pressing concern in Namibia. As such, these are issues to be kept in mind while engaging in onlline activities, primarily online communication and website browsing

This dissertation is divided in four chapters. The first chapter seeks to give a general introduction and background to the problem of privacy rights on the internet. The second chapter substantively deals with the right to privacy, from both a constitutional and common law perspective, then addresses the subject of the dissertation, namely, the right to privacy on the internet. The third chapter examines different legislation models which could be adopted by Namibia, while seeking to address the problem of privacy on the internet. Finally, the fourth chapter makes some recommendations and suggestions other than legislative control, to address the privacy problem on the internet. It also puts forth a proposal for the general framework for legislation to address the privacy problem on the internet

This dissertation presents the general legal principles as they have evolved to date. However, because the applicability of the law to the internet has yet to be tested in Namibian courts in Namibia, many of the issues discussed are as yet, unresolved. John-Green Odada, August 2001