ProtonMail Research Reflects Disregard For User Data by Big Tech

The Independent wrote that the findings point to a complete disregard for data privacy by Big Tech. As a result, dominant tech companies are “forcing users” into an “ultimatum” when it comes to privacy, according to The Independent.

YouGov Proton Survey Results

YouGov and ProtonMail’s collaborative effort revealed that almost 90% of respondents—out of 2,070 UK adults—are concerned about their personal data privacy online. Curiously, 20% of respondents remarked that they do not employ any data protection measures at all.

ProtonMail’s opinion about the “disconnect” between the fact that users are concerned about their privacy and yet many do not protect their personal data is because; privacy is “difficult to do” for users and there is a general lack of understanding about how their data is being collected by particular services.

According to The Independent, several problems like Big Tech’s “Misleading marketing campaigns, unreadable terms and conditions contracts, and similar issues” are at the root of data privacy woes.

How UK Citizens Protect Their Privacy

ProtonMail’s article revealed several key points about how UK citizens protect their privacy. The findings are as follows in descending order ;

• Declining marketing cookies (33%)
• Using multi-factor authentication (31%)
• Usage of ad blockers (22%)
• Using private/incognito browsing modes (22%)
• Opting for a privacy-focused search engine (9%)
• Opting for a privacy-focused web browser (5%)
• Opting for a privacy-focused email provider (3%)

Even though the findings are evidence of rising data privacy awareness in a “sizable portion of the UK population”, ProtonMail stated that this is insufficient because the most commonly used privacy features “all have a relatively limited impact” on data privacy compared to “some of the other steps” like some of the “least used techniques, like switching to privacy-focused service providers” which offer “the most privacy protection.”

ProtonMail goes on to say that 95% of users never change their default device settings, which means that “the vast majority of people are locked into options whose business model requires data collection.”

Privacy is Intentionally Complicated

ProtonMail wrote that online privacy “is a complicated topic — intentionally so.” Survey results have shown that the vast majority of people do not want the privacy of their emails, contacts, and location to be breached, although 82% of people still choose to opt for email providers that breach privacy in this manner.

According to ProtonMail, this takes place because of a “confusion” caused by how Big Tech ‘buries‘ “their privacy controls in a maze of menus and force people to turn off each instance of data collection individually, increasing the chance that they miss something or give up entirely.”

Even still, data privacy concerns “decrease dramatically” the younger the audience is, according to ProtonMail. “This suggests that some young people who grew up surrounded by pervasive data collection feel that there is no alternative.” This “routine invasion” and “excessive surveillance” seems to be the norm for the younger demographic of 18-24 year-olds by contrast to those who are 55 or older, according to ProtonMail. Perhaps the younger demographic has “given up hope on any meaningful alternative.”

Comments From Proton Founder Andy Yen

The CEO/Founder of Proton Technologies Andy Yen commented about the research published on ProtonMail’s website via The Independent’s report.

Yen stated that privacy today “has become a priority for consumers,” and that the market at present “is dominated by companies who routinely monetize privacy,” which results in an uncomfortable ultimatum for users. It is either “give up your privacy or disconnect from the modern world,” according to Yen.

“But things are changing,” added Yen because of mass migration to privacy-focused products in recent months and a higher public awareness surrounding data privacy.

“The message to Big Tech is clear. Respect your users’ privacy, or they will move to someone that will,” remarked Andy Yen.

The Shifting Data Privacy Landscape

As regulators now clamp down on the industry following a wave of everything from data breaches, privacy intrusions to whistleblower incidents, Big Tech needs to watch their step in front of a now more cyber-aware public. Continuing improper data collection practices coupled with snail-like lawmaking indicate that, although promising legislations are on the horizon that will improve data privacy, for now “it falls to companies like Proton and others who are building privacy-focused tools to ensure everyone can make a free and informed choice to decide when and how their data is used.”

It is important to remember that perfect data security and privacy cannot be guaranteed, even by hardened privacy advocates like Proton. However, what can be guaranteed is that a strong and clear public reaction to the misuse of personal data will force Big Tech to eventually change its ways.