Axios Login
February 28, 2019
1 big thing: Barely anyone reads privacy policies
Data: Survey Monkey poll of 4,048 U.S. adults conducted Feb. 6-11 with a margin of error of ±2.5%; Chart: Chris Canipe/Axios
If you aren't reading the privacy policy before you click "accept" you're not alone, Axios' Kim Hart reports.
Most people say it's important to have a clear understanding of a company's privacy policy before signing up for its service online — but in practice, most people skip right to the "I agree" box on a privacy policy without actually reading it, according to an Axios/SurveyMonkey poll (methodology here).
Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly aware that companies share and sell their personal data in exchange for free services, but consumers' privacy concerns aren't translating into concrete action to protect their data.
By the numbers, of people who say it's important to have a clear understanding of privacy terms before signing up for services:
- 87% say it's either very or somewhat important to have a clear understanding.
- Older adults aged 65+ (91%) are more likely than younger adults aged 18–24 (75%) to say this is important.
- Yes, but: 56% of respondents say they either "always" or "usually" accept the privacy policy without reading it.
- Even those who say it's important also say they sign up without reading the terms "every time" or "most of the time." (53%)
- Younger adults are more willing to skip reading the privacy policies: 46% of 18–24 year olds say they will accept the terms without reading them "every time," compared to 15% of seniors aged 65+ who say they will skip reading them.
The income gap: A majority (67%) of people with household incomes under $50,000 say it's "very important" to have a clear understanding of privacy policies before signing up for services. Meanwhile, only half (50%) of those with incomes of $100,000 and above say it's "very important."
The big picture: The public's indifference to privacy policies may stem in part from how long, legalistic, and unintelligible they typically are. And, as the New York Times editorial board pointed out in an opinion piece this month, many people feel powerless over them.
Why would anyone read the terms of service when they don’t feel as though they have a choice in the first place? It’s not as though a user can call up Mark Zuckerberg and negotiate his or her own privacy policy. The “I agree” button should have long ago been renamed “Meh, whatever.”— NYT editorial
Go deeper:
- Kim has more here, plus details on the survey's methodology.
- Consumers kinda, sorta care about their privacy
- Comfortably numb: Americans are less worried about online security
2. TikTok predecessor gets record FTC fine
Photo: Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images
3. State rules prove sticky in privacy debate
Sens. Roger Wicker and Maria Cantwell. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call