2016 CIGI-Ipsos Global Survey on Internet Security and Trust

The , undertaken by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and conducted by global research company Ipsos, reached 24,143 Internet users in 24 countries, and was carried out between November 20, 2015 and December 4, 2015. The countries included: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States.

The survey found that: While most global citizens express concern over their personal information being bought or sold online, only half of global citizens are aware that companies providing free online services often sell personal data to governments and other companies, highlighting a lack of awareness. Data collection issues are set to be expanded as the Internet of Things becomes a growing global reality. Yet a majority of people are not bothered personal data is connected to the Internet, and an additional majority agree that the benefits outweigh the risks.

• 49 percent of global citizens are aware that companies that provide free online services can sell personal data to governments and other companies.
• 79 percent of global citizens are concerned that their information may be bought or sold.