How Does Big Tech Use Our Data? Most People Don't Have a Clue
As a PCMag reader, you’re likely well aware of the privacy perils brought on by the internet and various Big Tech business models. How aware is the average internet denizen, though? Digital security company SurfShark surveyed nearly 2,000 people online to find out. Those surveyed hailed from Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and the US, and they skewed young: The largest group was 16-to 24-year-olds. (Scroll down to see the full infographic.)
One thing most (90%) agreed on: Privacy is important! (Which seems like a no-brainer; so who were the 10% who didn’t agree?) About a third of that 90% walked it back a bit, though, saying quality of service was more important than security.
Eighty-one percent of those surveyed want to know more about how their data is being used. But 48% are in the dark about just that. In fairness, it’s not easy to figure out, judging by most web services’ privacy policies. And rather confusingly, while 70% of respondents worry about online safety, nearly half replied that they feel safe online.
The study also found that privacy tool usage is on the rise. Most respondents by far use antivirus—63%. Thirty-nine percent use ad blockers, and 36% use password managers. The rest of the tool list is more esoteric; it includes privacy-oriented search engines and VPNs. Sadly, 12% of those surveyed use none of the above.
The good news: There are ways to take control of your privacy (short of staying offline completely). This story, about how to completely disappear from the internet, is a great place to start.
Sign up for SecurityWatch newsletter for our top privacy and security stories delivered right to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a
Read more on pcmag.com
