MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AnchorFree, global leader in consumer security and privacy, today unveiled survey findings that show Americans are divided on key issues around internet access and responsibility for online privacy. The survey is rooted in a fundamental question: “is internet access a right or a privilege?” Over two-thirds of Americans (68%) say internet access is a privilege, while only 32 percent responded that it is a human right. These groups were further divided on the issue of which entity is responsible for safeguarding the online privacy of all Americans. Of those that think the internet is a privilege, 42 percent say internet service providers (ISPs) are responsible for safe and secure access. For respondents that say internet access is a human right, 41 percent hold the government responsible for safe and secure internet access.
The new report, Responsibility For Internet Privacy: A Divided Nation, explored current sentiment toward the internet and privacy through a survey of over 2,000 Americans. The survey comes on the heels of a recent bill signed into law that allows internet providers to collect users’ personal information without asking for permission. In response to this bill, almost all Americans - over 95 percent - are concerned about businesses collecting and selling personal information without permission.
Key survey findings include:
- Over 80% are more concerned about their online privacy and security today than one year ago
- 70% are doing more today to protect their online privacy than one year ago
- Only 1 in 4 say “I am responsible” for ensuring safe and secure internet access
- The majority of consumers are employing fundamental privacy protections, like changing passwords and avoiding suspicious emails, but only one in five are using more sophisticated privacy safeguards like virtual private networks (VPNs)
“Our survey finds that the majority of consumers are concerned in the aftermath of the Federal Communications Commission’s rollback of internet privacy protections. At this juncture, it’s clear that neither government nor the private sector is taking responsibility for consumers’ online privacy. It now squarely rests on each individual to actively manage their own privacy,” said David Gorodyansky, founder and CEO of AnchorFree.
“As more connected devices emerge and threats to internet freedom persist, it’s imperative for Americans to learn about online privacy protection options and take personal responsibility for safeguarding their health, wealth and family. They otherwise risk the misuse of this data by hackers and third party companies,” continued Gorodyansky.
To see the entire set of survey findings, download Responsibility For Internet Privacy: A Divided Nation.
About AnchorFree
AnchorFree’s mission is to provide secure access to the world’s information for every person on the planet. AnchorFree’s Hotspot Shield VPN application is the world’s largest Internet freedom and personal privacy platform and the biggest disrupter of Internet censorship. Downloaded by more than 500 million users across mobile devices and computers; Hotspot Shield is the starting point, for mobile and Web access, making all applications and websites secure, private and accessible.
Funded by $63 million from Goldman Sachs, and other blue chip investors, AnchorFree is focused on bringing online privacy and freedom to the next billion Internet users. AnchorFree is growing by six million new downloads of Hotspot Shield per month and is on track to reach one billion user downloads in the coming years.
