Feb 13, 2018

Exclusive: Most Californians think Big Tech under-regulated

Sara Fischer

Most California residents think the tech industry is under-regulated, according to The 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer California Supplemental Survey.

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Reproduced from Edelman Trust Barometer; Chart: Axios Visuals

Why it matters: The survey results show a trust gap between Bay Area and California residents and the companies that are driving innovation in their backyards.

Within the Bay Area, technology is the most trusted industry sector, but only 38% of those residents believe the growth of technology has benefitted them personally.

  • 63% of Bay Area residents say, “the tech industry makes the wealthy even wealthier, but doesn’t really help the rest of California.”

In the tech industry specifically, a majority of Californians (79%) believe tech companies have an obligation to speak out against policies that may hurt their employees or customers. But 66% say the tech industry is reactive, rather than proactive.

  • 58% of Californians are concerned that the tech industry has failed to protect them from data security threats.

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