Public Perceptions of Privacy and Security in the Post-Snowden Era

The majority of adults in a new survey by the Pew Research Center feel that their privacy is being challenged along such core dimensions as the security of their personal information and their ability to retain confidentiality.

When Americans are asked what comes to mind when they hear the word “privacy,” there are patterns to their answers. As the above word cloud illustrates, they give important weight to the idea that privacy applies to personal material -- their space, their “stuff,” their solitude, and, importantly, their “rights.” Beyond the frequency of individual words, when responses are grouped into themes, the largest block of answers ties to concepts of security, safety, and protection. For many others, notions of secrecy and keeping things “hidden” are top of mind when thinking about privacy.

• Most are aware of government efforts to monitor communications
• Widespread concern about surveillance by government and businesses
• There is little confidence in the security of common communications channels, and those who have heard about government surveillance programs are the least confident
• Most say they want to do more to protect their privacy, but many believe it is not possible to be anonymous online
• Not everyone monitors their online reputation very vigilantly, even though many assume others will check up on their digital footprints
• Context matters as people decide whether to disclose information or not
• Different types of information elicit different levels of sensitivity among Americans