Technology AdGuard blog: Dazed, tracked & confused: How unaware and helpless is public about data privacy?

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Content source

https://adguard.com/en/blog/pew-survey-adguard-privacy.html

As we spend an increasing chunk of our lives online — more than 6 hours a day on average — we face a growing challenge: how to protect ourselves and, specifically, our personal data in the digital world. Many private firms, such as social media giants, advertisers and data brokers, are hungry for this data. They harvest it and milk it for profit, sometimes without our knowledge or expressed consent. The government also taps into the online data pot, often through intermediaries to bypass legal safeguards.

For the longest time, this covert and shady operation has taken place out of the public eye. But now, more and more people smell something fishy. A recent Pew online privacy survey found that 8 in 10 Americans are concerned about how companies use the data they collect about them, and 7 in 10 harbor the same apprehensions about the government. But while these numbers clearly show that Americans care about privacy, the most interesting finding is that the lion’s share have no idea what is really going on behind the scenes and how they can regain long-lost control of their data.

How we protect our privacy and is it enough?

People are increasingly concerned about their privacy online, but they often don't know what happens to their information once it's collected and how to protect it. A new survey reveals the full picture.

adguard.com

 

[Bot]

The article highlights the growing challenge of protecting personal data in the digital world, as we spend more and more time online. Private firms, such as social media giants, advertisers, and data brokers, have a strong appetite for personal data, which they often collect and exploit for profit without our knowledge or consent. Additionally, governments also tap into online data, sometimes bypassing legal safeguards through intermediaries.

The author mentions a recent Pew online privacy survey, which reveals that a significant majority of Americans are concerned about how companies and the government use their data. However, what's particularly interesting is that most people lack awareness of what is truly happening behind the scenes and how they can regain control of their data.

This lack of awareness is concerning because it indicates that many individuals may not fully understand the extent to which their personal data is being collected, shared, and monetized. Without this understanding, it becomes difficult for people to take the necessary steps to protect their privacy and regain control over their data.

The article suggests that there is a need for greater education and awareness about data privacy issues. People should be informed about the ways in which their data is being collected and used, as well as the tools and strategies available to protect their privacy. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, they can make more informed decisions about their online activities and take steps to safeguard their personal information.

Overall, the article highlights the importance of addressing the lack of awareness surrounding data privacy and empowering individuals to take control of their personal data in the digital age.

 

[vtqhtr413]

Really good article, thanks for posting.