In an era where digital interactions are pervasive, consumers around the globe are increasingly anxious about the practices of corporations and governments regarding the handling of their personal data. Many are taking proactive steps to safeguard their privacy as highlighted in a recent survey conducted by Malwarebytes.

The survey results, which were released on Wednesday, revealed that a staggering 89% of respondents expressed serious concerns about corporations inappropriately accessing and utilizing their personal data. Additionally, 72% of participants voiced similar worries regarding government entities. The data was gathered from 1,500 readers of Malwarebytes newsletter worldwide between March 17 and March 27 of this year.

This heightened concern comes in the wake of several high-profile incidents that have drawn public attention to the vast amounts of personal consumer data amassed by both private companies and government agencies. One notable case is 23andMes Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing in March, which raised urgent questions about the fate of its extensive collection of private consumer data, including millions of genetic samples and testing reports. The implications of this could be significant for individuals who have entrusted their genetic information to the company.

Simultaneously, a coalition of labor groups, spearheaded by the American Federation of Teachers, initiated legal action in February, alleging that the administration of former President Donald Trump breached federal privacy laws by granting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, access to systems containing personal information of millions of Americans without their consent. A recent 2-1 ruling by a federal appeals court temporarily halted an injunction that had previously barred Musk and DOGE from accessing such sensitive data at key governmental departments, including the Treasury, Education, and the Office of Personnel Management. The court has also expedited the appeal process, scheduling oral arguments for May 5.

The survey findings further revealed that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies has compounded consumer unease, with 89% of participants voicing concerns regarding the potential use of their data by AI systems without their explicit consent. This apprehension is reflective of broader societal debates about the ethical implications of AI and data usage.

In light of these escalating worries, many respondents have begun to take measures to reclaim some degree of privacy. Notably, over 40% reported ceasing use of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or X, and 26% indicated they had stopped using fertility or period-tracking apps. Furthermore, a significant 75% of those surveyed stated they opt out of data collection whenever possible, and 23% confessed to utilizing data removal services to eliminate easily accessible personal information from the internet.

While these actions may not cover every aspect of data privacy, they represent meaningful steps towards greater control over personal information. For those concerned about safeguarding their data, here are additional strategies to consider:

  • Create Strong Passwords: Utilizing long, unique, and random passwords is crucial. Avoid recycling old passwords, even if they seem secure. Password managers can simplify this process by remembering your complex passwords for you.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This security measure adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a secondary identifierlike a fingerprint or a code sent to your mobile devicealongside your password.
  • Be Cautious with Personal Information: Think carefully before sharing personal data such as your birth date or home address when signing up for online services. Information can be vulnerable to data breaches and exploitation by data brokers.
  • Shop as a Guest: Opting to shop online as a guest can prevent your payment and shipping information from being stored in company systems, thereby reducing the risk of data theft.
  • Consider Using a VPN: While not essential for everyone, a Virtual Private Network can be beneficial when using public or unfamiliar networks. However, exercise caution when choosing a VPN, as free services may compromise your data.
  • Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit accounts for unauthorized transactions. If you anticipate not needing credit soon, consider freezing your credit reports.
  • Manage Social Media Privacy: Ensure your social media accounts are secured and only share information with trusted contacts. Even seemingly harmless details can aid malicious actors in gaining access to your accounts.
  • Audit Logins and Applications: Be wary of using social media accounts for easy logins, as this can grant apps access to more of your data. Remove access from unused apps.
  • Keep Everything Updated: Maintaining up-to-date software across all devices, including routers, is vital for security. Patches and updates help protect against vulnerabilities.

As concerns about data privacy continue to rise, it is crucial for individuals to remain informed and proactive about their digital footprint. Knowledge is power in the battle for privacy.