In recent times, data protection and how companies handle data have emerged as pivotal issues. With an increasing number of people owning mobile phones, the risk of personal information misuse has grown.
A recent tech study suggests that 88% of Brits are concerned about how various companies handle their personal information. However, a staggering 90% of them live in a gray area, lacking a complete understanding of what companies actually do with it.
In the UK, 87% of consumers shop online, yet a worrisome 89% of internet users neglect to read the privacy policies of online services or apps. Only 35% occasionally read these policies, while 32% do so rarely. Alarmingly, 17% admit to never having read the privacy policies associated with the online services or apps they use.
Many individuals are unaware of companies collecting their data, with 31% not realizing websites track online behavior. Companies compile diverse personal data, creating profiles to predict consumer behavior. Shockingly, 20% of Brits are unaware that social media platforms use their data for targeted ads.
Now, the abundance of the internet and lack of awareness will likely cause more harm than good as data breaches become a part of our lives. Proper knowledge and two-step authentication can make the process a bit safer, but again, nothing is completely secure, as companies have shown a tendency to exchange data lately.
