Internet privacy has taken centre stage in recent months, thanks to a steady stream of revelations about government snooping and the privacy of social networks. Yet, despite this, users still reveal much of their personal information.
The EMC Privacy Index is a contribution to the important dialogue on Internet privacy. It was commissioned by EMC to better understand consumer perception around privacy, and to encourage an informed conversation between businesses, governments, policy-makers and consumers on how best to protect individuals’ privacy in an era of accelerated use of information technology such as cloud computing and big data.
EMC Southern Africa’s country manager Servaas Venter says: “The South African market demonstrates similar online behaviour, with consumers being highly active online and shopping, banking, searching and social networking leading online activity in the country.
“Like their global counterparts, South Africans readily use technologies that reveal personal data, but take few actions to protect their privacy.”
The survey found that 91% of respondents value the benefit of “easier access to information and knowledge” that digital technology affords.
However, only 27% of the respondents say they are willing to trade some privacy for greater convenience and ease online; and just 41% believe government is committed to protecting their privacy.