EU citizens voice data privacy concerns

 

Gallery

Posted on 18 Apr 2008 at 13:08

Fewer than half of EU citizens believe that private data is properly protected, despite a series of new laws introduced by the European Commission since 1995.

The findings of the latest Eurobarometer survey reflect the extent to which EU citizens are concerned about data protection. The survey found that 64% feel that awareness and information on these topics are not yet satisfactory.

However this figure has changed little over two decades, and lack of information is seen as the main reason. The survey found that three quarters of EU citizens think that there are low levels of awareness about data protection In particular, the national data protection authorities were relatively unknown to most: only 28% of respondents said they had heard about them.

Most European Internet users feel uneasy when transmitting their personal data over the internet, with 82% believing that data transmission over the Web was not sufficiently secure. However, only a minority said that they use technologies that increased data security, such as firewalls and cookie managers.

But despite their concerns, a majority are happy to see data protection rights limited to help tackle terrorism. A majority of respondents agreed that it should be possible to monitor passenger flight details (82%), telephone calls (72%) and internet and credit card usage (75% and 69%, respectively) to monitor suspected terrorists.

Jacques Barrot, vice president of the Commission, said that the survey provides an important lesson.

"It is our intention to fully analyse and understand the feedback we have been given by Europe's citizens in this survey and we will ensure these comments inform the work we are doing in this area this year," he said. "I am convinced that this survey will also be a salutary lesson for all stakeholders involved in handling personal data and maintaining data protection."

Full details of the findings are published in Data Protection in the European Union: Citizens' perceptions.

Author: Simon Aughton