Half of EU citizens worry about criminals stealing personal data

More than half (55%) of internet users in the EU are concerned about fraudsters and other criminals accessing information they share on the internet or social media, according to a survey by the EU’s Agency for Fundamental Rights.

The worry is more prevalent among older people with 64% of those surveyed aged 65 or greater concerned, while the proportion is 46% among 16- to 29-year-olds.

After fraudsters and criminals, the next group which causes alarm are advertisers and businesses. Of the 20,943 people surveyed across the 27-member union, 31% are concerned businesses will access data they have shared on the internet without their knowledge or permission. The next group is foreign governments at 30%. 

The survey also revealed of the 34,948 people questioned about unauthorised use of their online bank account or credit/debit card details, 24% are worried that misuse will happen. The people most concerned are those with less education, unemployed or having difficulties making ends meet.

The results are from the agency’s Fundamental Rights Survey, conducted by Ipsos MORI, which covers access to justice, consumer rights, crime victimisation, good administration and other topics as well as data protection.

The survey’s purpose is to support introduction of the European Commission’s security strategy for 2020 to 2024. 

Read full article on https://gdpr.report/news/2020/07/24/half-of-eu-citizens-worry-about-criminals-stealing-personal-data/

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