84% users don't feel in control of online privacy: Survey
What's the story
Mozilla, the company behind the popular web browser Firefox, has been on a mission to understand how people perceive choice in their daily lives. The effort is part of a larger campaign called "Open What You Want," which emphasizes autonomy and control over one's digital life. The campaign also highlights the importance of browser selection as a key factor in shaping online experiences and data privacy.
Survey findings
Survey reveals disconnect between online choice and control
To better understand the control of online privacy, Mozilla commissioned a survey of 8,000 adults over 18 in France, Germany, the UK, and the US. The study revealed a disconnect between people's desire for control over their data and digital privacy and the current state of the internet. A majority (84%) of respondents don't feel in control of their privacy choices with Germans feeling most in control at 21%.
Data concerns
Big Tech's influence on personal data and privacy
The survey also revealed that 24% of respondents feel it's "too late" because Big Tech already has too much control or knows too much about them. As many as 36% said they find it frustrating when these companies know too much about them, with US and UK respondents being the most frustrated. Many were particularly annoyed by Big Tech using their data to train AI without permission (38%) and tracking their data without consent (47%).
User empowerment
Browser choice and user agency in the digital space
Mozilla's research on browser choice shows how hard-to-change defaults and confusing settings can limit people's ability to choose for themselves. This is a major factor contributing to the current state of online choice. When asked about their strongest expressions of independence online, choosing not to share data was among the top three responses in each country surveyed.
Advocacy
Mozilla advocates for user agency and trust in tech
Ajit Varma, Product VP at Firefox, emphasized that technology should prioritize humanity first. He said product design must focus on user agency, choice, and trust. Christina Lang, VP of Global Marketing at Mozilla echoed these sentiments by saying that the kind of web communities thrive in is increasingly at odds with what Big Tech is building. She reaffirmed Mozilla's commitment to putting real choice and control back into people's hands so they can shape the web they want to see.