60% of consumers believe their data is misusedv

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As many as 60% of consumers believe their personal data is routinely misused by companies, highlighting a significant mistrust towards corporate data handling practices.

This is according to a study from PrivacyEngine, a data privacy management platform and consultancy, which involved a comprehensive global survey aimed at uncovering the most pressing concerns and best practices in data privacy for 2024.

To find out what the global consensus is on data privacy, what aspects of data privacy are considered most important and what the preferred best practices are, the company assessed data from more than 1.3 million people worldwide.

Other key finding from the study include:

Avoiding Data Breaches: 42.7% of respondents cited avoiding data breaches as the primary reason for valuing data privacy, reflecting widespread concern over the security of personal information.
Best Practices for Data Security: 22.6% of participants identified strong passwords as the most fundamental best practice for data security, underscoring the importance of basic protective measures.
Demographic Insights: The survey revealed that individuals aged 65 and older are the most engaged with data privacy concerns (26.9%). Additionally, over 65% of respondents are US-based, reflecting a significant interest in data privacy within the country.
Consumer Sentiments on Control: 46% of consumers feel they have lost control over their personal information, and 87% demand greater control over data collection and usage. This indicates a strong desire for more transparent and user-centric data practices.
Implications and Relevance: These findings have profound implications for businesses, emphasising the need for robust data privacy measures to build consumer trust. Companies must prioritise data security and transparency to address the widespread concerns highlighted by the survey.