Over 95% of Millennials Feel Companies and Governments Fail to Protect Personal Data

Fewer than 5 per cent of Millennials in the US and UK believe their digital identity and personal data are completely protected, according to a study by Intercede and Atomik Research.

When asked about the impact on their privacy of an increasingly digitally connected world, such as rising use of mobile devices and tablets, nearly 70% of Millennials believed the risk to their online safety will increase. And 31% believe this increase will be dramatic.

Some 54% felt the failure of companies and governments to adequately protect identities and data would foster public distrust of goods and services. Nearly one in two believed there will be an eventual decline in data sharing and 36% predicted demands for action. Significant percentages cited potential for a decline in economic or political stability.

“This serves as a stark warning to businesses and government departments who provide online services and products, as digital natives protest that ineffective security practices are potentially putting their online data into the hands of cybercriminals,” Intercede CEO Richard Parris comments. “It’s time for organisations to stop playing fast and loose with what, in a digital economy, are our most important assets – our identity and our data.”

Security and privacy are more important than page load speeds, customization or social integration features during online browsing, as previously mentioned in a study. Some 70% of respondents say security is important in a browser and 68% care about privacy. Webpage loading speed and user friendly features come third and fourth. Customizability and social integration are relevant for 37% and 21% of respondents, respectively.

The survey was conducted on 1,012 U.S consumers and 1,016 UK consumers aged 16-35 in June 2015.