The share of Americans who say they are very or somewhat concerned about government use of people’s data has increased from 64% in 2019 to 71% today. Two-thirds (67%) of adults say they understand little to nothing about what companies are doing with their personal data, up from 59%.

cross-posted from: https://links.hackliberty.org/post/2496422

This survey was conducted among 5,101 U.S. adults from May 15 to 21, 2023

% say they are concerned about how … use(s) the data they collect about them

  • Companies: 81%
  • The government: 71%

% say they have little to no understanding about what … do(es) with the data they collect about them

  • Companies: 67%
  • The government: 77%

% say they have very little or no trust at all that leaders of social media companies will

  • Publicly admit mistakes and take responsibility when they misuse or compromises users’ personal data: 77%
  • Not sell users’ personal data to others without their consent: 76%
  • Be held accountable by the government if they misuse or compromise users’ personal data: 71%

% say that as companies use AI to collect and analyze personal information, this information will be used in ways that …

  • People would not be comfortable with: 81%
  • Were not originally intended: 80%
  • Could make people’s lives easier: 62%

% say that when they think about managing their privacy online, they …

  • Trust themselves to make the right decisions about their personal information: 78%
  • Feel skeptical that anything they do will make much difference: 61%
  • Feel overwhelmed by figuring out what they need to do: 37%
  • Feel privacy is not that big of a deal to them: 29%
  • Are confident those who have access to their personal information will do what is right: 21%

% say they … agree to online privacy policies right away, without reading what the policies say

  • Always, almost always or often: 56%
  • Sometimes: 22%
  • Rarely or never: 18%
  • No answer: 4%

Please read the report for a more in-depth look at the data and analysis!

  • ExtremeDullard@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    3·
    4 months ago

    This is all rather meaningless because we don’t know the demographics of those who answered: 5,101 US adults of what generations?

    I’m pretty sure younger generations aren’t nearly as concerned about privacy as older folks who grew up before Big Data became the dystopian thing it is today (statistically that is, that’s not to say there aren’t privacy-conscious youngsters or recklless data-sharing old folks).

    This survey looks like it was mostly answered by gen-Xers.

    • HenriVolney@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      4·
      4 months ago

      They can look at EU for inspiration about privacy. They’re pretty tough when it comes to data protection, at least their policies are, not sure about enforcement.

      • Em Adespoton@lemmy.caEnglish
        4·
        4 months ago

        That last bit is correct. The privacy commissioners are under-resourced and a large number of businesses are not actually compliant with the GDPR. Only a few highly visible infractions get addressed, and even with those the final result is not fixing the infractions and paying the fine; usually a small payment is made along with an agreement that the party will behave better in the future.

  • BearOfaTime@lemm.eeEnglish
    4·
    4 months ago

    Great numbers, unfortunately most of those people are doing jack, and shit about it.

    Example: I have a network security friend in his 40’s, who can’t be bothered with these issues because “I want the convenience”. I mean, this is right up his technical alley and he’s too lazy to do anything about it.