People who have read Orwell’s 1984 are seriously thinking about their privacy. This study queries adults, but what would our youth answer? Have they read Orwell? Where are we 30 years later?
Public Perceptions of Privacy and Security
A new survey finds Americans’ perceptions of privacy are varied and reflect a wide array of concerns connected to government surveillance and commercial use of personal data. A majority of adults feel their privacy is being challenged along such core dimensions as the security of their personal information and their ability to retain confidentiality.
Key findings include:
- 80% of adults “agree” or “strongly agree” that Americans should be concerned about the government’s monitoring of phone calls and internet communications.
- 43% of adults in the survey have heard “a lot” about “the government collecting information about telephone calls, emails and other online communications as part of efforts to monitor terrorist activity,” and another 44% have heard “a little.”
- Only 36% “agree” or “strongly agree” with the statement: “It is a good thing for society if people believe that someone is keeping an eye on the things that they do online.”
At the same time, the survey finds a universal lack of confidence among adults in the
security of everyday communications channels—particularly when it comes to the use of
online tools.
Read or download the full report: http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/11/12/public-privacy-perceptions/