7 in 10 Indian citizens say their personal data has been leaked online

Seven in 10 Indian citizens believe that at least one piece of their personal data has been leaked online or compromised in some way, according to a survey by social platform LocalCircle.

The survey asked 23,000 citizens in 309 districts of India if their personally identifiable info had been made public and what type of information was compromised.

Only 9% said that “no personal details have been leaked or are in the public domain,” while a whopping 72% said their details are in the public domain.

When asked what type of personal information was made public, most indicated a mobile phone number and email address, while a concerning percentage cited sensitive information such as an Aadhaar number (unique identification number).

Here’s a breakdown of the personal info leaked or compromised:

·       Mobile phone numbers (72%)

·       Email address (62%)

·       Aadhaar number (53%)

·       PAN card number (50%)

·       Voter ID number (25%)

·       Credit/ debit card number (22%)

·       Annual income/salary (9%)

·       Other details (19%)

The survey continues by asking participants about what entities they blame for the leak of their personal data. According to the report, around 81% of respondents pointed to state or local government offices, 75% named telecoms, 69% financial institutions or services, 44% e-commerce platforms, 31% payment apps or websites, 25% educational institutions and 25% other businesses/entities.

Data leaks can impact victims financially, physically and emotionally, and it has become imperative for internet users to stay vigilant and secure their digital identities.

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