60 Startling Data Privacy Statistics (2023 Version)

We interact with dozens of websites and internet companies on a daily basis, so it's normal to feel uneasy about our data and how it's processed. Whether it's personal information, or data from work & school, there's lots of concern about what might happen were it to fall into the wrong hands.

We compiled a list of 60 data privacy statistics for 2023 to show you how these concerns are felt around the world and why it's absolutely crucial for your business to invest in data compliance and privacy to maintain customer goodwill. 

Personal Data Privacy Statistics

Let's look at some personal data statistics: 

• 81% of Americans believe that they have little or no control over the data that companies collect
• 84% believe they have little to no control over the data that the government collects about them
• 81% of Americans believe that the  risks from companies collecting their data outweigh any benefits it can bring
• 66% believe that the benefits of the government collecting your data outweigh the risks
• 79%  worried about the way that companies are collecting data
• 64% of Americans are very or somewhat worried about how the government collects data and how it is used

Data Collection Statistics

What happens after we share our information with third-parties? It's vague and murky — and folks aren't too happy about that:

• 59% of those surveyed have no real understanding of the way that businesses use the data that they collect,
• 78% of people don’t understand what the government does with the information they collect
• 79% said that they do not believe companies will admit if any mistakes are made in the process
• 70% of the adults that were surveyed believe that their data privacy is less secure now than it was years ago, despite more data privacy laws coming into play
• 63% said that they have very little understanding of the data  privacy laws in their region

👉 Read More about Data Privacy Laws in our Roundup of Data Privacy Laws for 2023

But even with all of these fears and misunderstandings, the statistics about privacy settings and policies are surprising:

• Most say that they are often asked to approve privacy policies of some kind, but not many read these policies before agreeing with them
• Only 38% say that they do sometimes read a privacy policy before agreeing
• 36% say they never read these policies 
• Very few of those that do read these policies say that they read the entire thing before moving forward
• Even with so few people understanding privacy laws, some try to keep up with them, 57% say that they follow privacy news very or at least somewhat closely,
• On the other hand, 43% say they don’t follow it closely or at all

Data Tracking Statistics

In our research, we found that people go to extreme lengths to guard their data. For example: 

• 47% of people polled have changed companies, including social media and even banks, because of their data-sharing policies
• There are those that don’t believe you have any privacy on the internet, with 9% saying that digital privacy is a myth
• Around 79% of internet users feel like they have no control over their personal data
• Polls found that 72% of users are most worried about  fraud and identity theft
• A massive 81% of users are worried that their data is at risk
• Many combat these fears by changing their passwords, with 33% of users changing their passwords often

Privacy Protection Statistics 

Unfortunately, most websites don't invest in robust data compliance policies or security certificates. This leads to survey results like: 

• Many websites on the internet aren't secure, with  37% having cookies that aren’t secure
• Many users of email or social media and email have been  victims of cyberattacks, with 33% of users facing attacks in just one year
• As many as 44% of users have faced harassment online
• Surprisingly 25% of adults have divulged sensitive info on social media 
• Only 44% know what Phishing is
• But 71% believe they won’t fall for these scams
• 58% of users would share their data to avoid fees for content
• Only 15% believe that data collection is used  for the benefit of users 
• Loyalty and trust equals a willingness to share data, according to 88% of users
• Trust is harder to earn than ever, according to 54% of users
• Of those polled, 84% would be more loyal if a company could show they have better data security

Willingness to Provide Personal Data 

Most consumers are wary of providing more personal data since they're already concerned about what exists on the interwebs: 

• More than half of users would like to get their data back from companies 
• Around 25% have asked companies about the data they kept on record, 
• 17% have asked companies to change or delete their data

When a company is upfront on data collection:

• 37% believe they would also be more proactive in enforcing laws
• 63% believe that few companies do explain data-capturing methods in full
• Around 39% say they would refuse to work with companies that need highly personal information
• And 75% believe better regulations are needed
• Fewer than 17% would share data with third parties
• But more than 80% would be willing to share the same data with a trusted brand

Business Data Privacy Statistics 

Some businesses understand the importance of investing in data privacy. Here's what we dug up about business data privacy statistics: 

• Over 40% of companies double the benefits from spending on privacy
• Most see at least some rewards for their investment
• According to the University of Maryland, a hacking attack happens every 39 seconds 
• Many Americans believe that their data is vulnerable, with 24% believing it is very susceptible to hackers
• Only 2% of internet users  don’t think they are vulnerable to hackers at all
• Of those polled, 78% of users are more protective of  financial data than any other type of data
• Around 64% of hacking victims will hold the company accountable for their loss of data 
• Around 80% of companies update their privacy laws often 
• Data protection officers have become more common in the US
• 27% of companies have spent at least half a million on data privacy

Data Privacy and Age 

Younger demographics have even higher concerns about data privacy while older population segments like Baby Boomers are at higher risk of hacking. For example: 

• Around 76% of Gen-Z internet users use two-step verification as a safety precaution 
• Younger users are also less likely to use easy hackable numerical passwords
• Older people are more vulnerable, with 18.9% of identity theft complaints coming from older people 
• Older people are also more vulnerable to fraud, with 35% of complaints coming from older people
• Younger generations trust tech more, with 77% of Gen-Z users believing that tech allows them better control over finances,
• And 85% would like to work remotely despite data security risks