In 2021, slightly less than three quarters (73%) of the EU citizens who used the internet for private purposes within the last 3 months prior to the survey managed access to their personal data online.
More than half (53%) of these internet users refused to allow the use of personal data for advertising, and just under half (48%) restricted or refused access to their geographical location. In addition, 40% limited access to their profile or content on social networking sites or shared online storage, while 39% read privacy policy statements before providing personal data. Only 36% checked that the website where they provided their personal data was secure.
Source dataset: isoc_cisci_prv20
The share of people who managed access to any personal data over the internet in 2021 varied across the EU Member States. The highest shares were observed in the Netherlands and Finland (both 91%), followed by Portugal (89%).
In contrast, the lowest shares were recorded in Romania (56%), Poland (59%) and Slovenia (61%).
Source dataset: isoc_cisci_prv20
This news item marks the International Data Protection Day celebrated on 28 January.
For more information:
- The data in this article are based on the annual survey on use of ICT in households and by individuals; the results above refer to individuals’ experiences during the last 3 months prior to the survey.
- Italy: 2021 data not available. As a result, the EU aggregate has been estimated.
- Eurostat Statistics Explained article on Digital economy and society statistics - households and individuals
- Eurostat overview on digital economy and society
- Eurostat database on digital economy and society
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