![\"Bar](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-01.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFar fewer mention being overwhelmed by figuring out what they need to do (37%) or say privacy is not that big of a deal to them (29%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another 21% are confident that those with access to their personal information will do what is right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Education differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- 81% of those with at least some college experience say they trust themselves to make the right decisions about their personal information online, compared with 72% of those with a high school diploma or less.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 67% of those with at least some college are skeptical that anything they do to manage their online privacy will make a difference, compared with half of those with a high school diploma or less formal education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, those with a high school education or less are more likely than those with some college experience or more to say that privacy isn\u2019t that big of a deal to them and that they are confident that those who have access to their personal information will do the right thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personal data and information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"About](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-02.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe survey also explores the concerns people have about data collection and security \u2013 specifically, how they feel about three scenarios around companies, law enforcement and identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roughly four-in-ten Americans say they are very <\/em>worried about companies selling their information to others without them knowing (42%) or people stealing their identity or personal information (38%). Fewer are apprehensive about law enforcement monitoring what they do online (15%).<\/p>\n\n\n\nRacial and ethnic differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
However, some of these shares are higher among Hispanic, Black or Asian adults:[1. This survey includes a total sample size of 364 Asian adults. The sample primarily includes English-speaking Asian adults and, therefore, it may not be representative of the overall Asian adult population. Despite this limitation, it is important to report the views of Asian adults on the topics in this study. As always, Asian adults\u2019 responses are incorporated into the general population figures throughout this report. Asian adults are shown as a separate group when the question was asked of the full sample. Because of the relatively small sample size and a reduction in precision due to weighting, results are not shown separately for Asian adults for questions that were only asked of a random half of respondents (Form 1\/Form 2).] <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Roughly half of Hispanic, Black or Asian adults are very worried about people stealing their identity or personal information, compared with a third of White adults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- About one-in-five of each group are very worried about law enforcement monitoring their online activity; 10% of White adults say this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Feelings of concern, confusion and a lack of control over one\u2019s data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Americans](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-03.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA majority of Americans say they are concerned, lack control and have a limited understanding about how the data collected about them is used. This is true whether it\u2019s the government or companies using their data. Similar sentiments were expressed in 2019, when we last asked about this<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nConcern is high:<\/em> 81% say they feel very or somewhat concerned with how companies use the data they collect about them. Fully 71% say the same regarding the government\u2019s use of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPeople don\u2019t feel in control:<\/em> Roughly three-quarters or more feel they have very little or no control over the data collected about them by companies (73%) or the government (79%).<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding is low: <\/em>Americans also say they don\u2019t understand what these actors are doing with the data collected about them. Majorities say they have very little or no understanding of this, whether by the government (77%) or companies (67%).<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmericans are now less knowledgeable than before about how companies are using their personal data. The share who say they don\u2019t understand this has risen from 59% in 2019 to 67% in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They have also grown more concerned about how the government uses the data it collects about them, with the share expressing concern up from 64% to 71% over this same period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While these sentiments have not changed significantly since 2019 among Democrats and those who lean toward the Democratic Party, Republicans and GOP leaners have grown more wary of government data collection. Today, 77% of Republicans say they are concerned about how the government uses data it collects about them, up from 63% four years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Growing](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-04.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPrivacy laws and regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Americans are less knowledgeable about data privacy laws today than in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, 72% of Americans say they have little to no understanding about the laws and regulations that are currently in place to protect their data privacy. This is up from 63% in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By comparison, the shares who say they understand some or a great deal about these laws decreased from 37% in 2019 to 27% in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Americans largely favor more regulation to protect personal information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Broad](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-05.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOverall, 72% say there should be more government regulation of what companies can do with their customers\u2019 personal information. Just 7% say there should be less regulation. Another 18% say it should stay about the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Views by political affiliation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
There is broad partisan support for greater involvement by the government in regulating consumer data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A majority of Democrats and Republicans say there should be more government regulation for how companies treat users\u2019 personal information (78% vs. 68%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These findings are largely on par with a 2019 Center survey<\/a> that showed strong support for increased regulations across parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTrust in social media executives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-06.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMajorities of Americans say they have little to no trust that leaders of social media companies will publicly admit mistakes regarding consumer data being misused or compromised (77%), that these leaders will not sell users\u2019 personal data to others without their consent (76%), and that leaders would be held accountable by the government if they were to misuse or compromise users\u2019 personal data (71%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes notable shares who have no trust at all<\/em> in those who are running social media sites. For example, 46% say they have no trust at all in executives of social media companies to not sell users\u2019 data without their consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s online privacy: Concerns and responsibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"About](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-07.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost Americans say they are concerned about social media sites knowing personal information about children (89%), advertisers using data about what children do online to target ads to them (85%) and online games tracking what children are doing on them (84%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concern is widespread, with no statistically significant differences between those with and without children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Majority](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-08.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnother key question is who should be responsible for the actual protection of kids\u2019 online privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fully 85% say parents bear a great deal of responsibility for protecting children\u2019s online privacy. Roughly six-in-ten say the same about technology companies, and an even smaller share believe the government should have a great deal of responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Law enforcement and surveillance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The survey also measured how acceptable Americans think it is for law enforcement to use surveillance tools during criminal investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Older](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-09.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRoughly three-quarters of Americans say it\u2019s very or somewhat acceptable for law enforcement to obtain footage from cameras people install at their residences during a criminal investigation or use information from cellphone towers to track where someone is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By comparison, smaller shares \u2013 though still a slight majority \u2013 say it is acceptable to break the passcode on a user\u2019s phone (54%) or require third parties to turn over users\u2019 private chats, messages or calls (55%) during a criminal investigation.[2. Half of respondents were asked the questions above, and the other half received the same questions with the added context of it being a \u201ccriminal investigation where public safety is at risk.\u201d Differences in response were largely modest. See Appendix A<\/a> for these findings.]<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbout one-in-ten Americans say they aren\u2019t sure how they feel about law enforcement doing each of these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Older adults are much more likely than younger adults to say it\u2019s at least somewhat acceptable for law enforcement to take each of these actions in criminal investigations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, 88% of those 65 and older say it\u2019s acceptable for law enforcement to obtain footage from cameras people install at their residences, compared with 57% of those ages 18 to 29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Racial and ethnic differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In the case of a criminal investigation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- White adults are more likely than Hispanic and Black adults to think it\u2019s acceptable for law enforcement to use information from cellphone towers to track people\u2019s locations and to break the passcode on a user\u2019s phone to get access to its contents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White and Hispanic adults are more likely than Black adults to say it\u2019s acceptable to require third parties to turn over users\u2019 private chats, messages or calls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
AI and data collection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Majority](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-10.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nArtificial intelligence (AI) can be used to collect and analyze people\u2019s personal information. Some Americans are wary of companies using AI in this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fully 55% of adults say using computer programs to determine who should be eligible for public assistance is unacceptable. Roughly a quarter say it\u2019s an acceptable use of AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roughly half (48%) think it is unacceptable for social media companies to analyze what people do on their sites to deliver personalized content. Still, 41% are supportive of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Views are mixed when it comes to smart speakers analyzing people\u2019s voices to learn who is speaking. Statistically equal shares say it\u2019s unacceptable and acceptable (44% and 42%, respectively).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And some Americans \u2013 ranging from 10% to 17% \u2013 are uncertain about whether these uses are acceptable or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, those with a high school education or less are more likely than those with some college experience or more to say that privacy isn\u2019t that big of a deal to them and that they are confident that those who have access to their personal information will do the right thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personal data and information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe survey also explores the concerns people have about data collection and security \u2013 specifically, how they feel about three scenarios around companies, law enforcement and identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roughly four-in-ten Americans say they are very <\/em>worried about companies selling their information to others without them knowing (42%) or people stealing their identity or personal information (38%). Fewer are apprehensive about law enforcement monitoring what they do online (15%).<\/p>\n\n\n\nRacial and ethnic differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
However, some of these shares are higher among Hispanic, Black or Asian adults:[1. This survey includes a total sample size of 364 Asian adults. The sample primarily includes English-speaking Asian adults and, therefore, it may not be representative of the overall Asian adult population. Despite this limitation, it is important to report the views of Asian adults on the topics in this study. As always, Asian adults\u2019 responses are incorporated into the general population figures throughout this report. Asian adults are shown as a separate group when the question was asked of the full sample. Because of the relatively small sample size and a reduction in precision due to weighting, results are not shown separately for Asian adults for questions that were only asked of a random half of respondents (Form 1\/Form 2).] <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Roughly half of Hispanic, Black or Asian adults are very worried about people stealing their identity or personal information, compared with a third of White adults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- About one-in-five of each group are very worried about law enforcement monitoring their online activity; 10% of White adults say this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Feelings of concern, confusion and a lack of control over one\u2019s data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA majority of Americans say they are concerned, lack control and have a limited understanding about how the data collected about them is used. This is true whether it\u2019s the government or companies using their data. Similar sentiments were expressed in 2019, when we last asked about this<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nConcern is high:<\/em> 81% say they feel very or somewhat concerned with how companies use the data they collect about them. Fully 71% say the same regarding the government\u2019s use of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPeople don\u2019t feel in control:<\/em> Roughly three-quarters or more feel they have very little or no control over the data collected about them by companies (73%) or the government (79%).<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnderstanding is low: <\/em>Americans also say they don\u2019t understand what these actors are doing with the data collected about them. Majorities say they have very little or no understanding of this, whether by the government (77%) or companies (67%).<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmericans are now less knowledgeable than before about how companies are using their personal data. The share who say they don\u2019t understand this has risen from 59% in 2019 to 67% in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They have also grown more concerned about how the government uses the data it collects about them, with the share expressing concern up from 64% to 71% over this same period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While these sentiments have not changed significantly since 2019 among Democrats and those who lean toward the Democratic Party, Republicans and GOP leaners have grown more wary of government data collection. Today, 77% of Republicans say they are concerned about how the government uses data it collects about them, up from 63% four years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPrivacy laws and regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Americans are less knowledgeable about data privacy laws today than in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, 72% of Americans say they have little to no understanding about the laws and regulations that are currently in place to protect their data privacy. This is up from 63% in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By comparison, the shares who say they understand some or a great deal about these laws decreased from 37% in 2019 to 27% in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Americans largely favor more regulation to protect personal information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOverall, 72% say there should be more government regulation of what companies can do with their customers\u2019 personal information. Just 7% say there should be less regulation. Another 18% say it should stay about the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Views by political affiliation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
There is broad partisan support for greater involvement by the government in regulating consumer data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A majority of Democrats and Republicans say there should be more government regulation for how companies treat users\u2019 personal information (78% vs. 68%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These findings are largely on par with a 2019 Center survey<\/a> that showed strong support for increased regulations across parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTrust in social media executives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMajorities of Americans say they have little to no trust that leaders of social media companies will publicly admit mistakes regarding consumer data being misused or compromised (77%), that these leaders will not sell users\u2019 personal data to others without their consent (76%), and that leaders would be held accountable by the government if they were to misuse or compromise users\u2019 personal data (71%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes notable shares who have no trust at all<\/em> in those who are running social media sites. For example, 46% say they have no trust at all in executives of social media companies to not sell users\u2019 data without their consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s online privacy: Concerns and responsibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost Americans say they are concerned about social media sites knowing personal information about children (89%), advertisers using data about what children do online to target ads to them (85%) and online games tracking what children are doing on them (84%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concern is widespread, with no statistically significant differences between those with and without children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnother key question is who should be responsible for the actual protection of kids\u2019 online privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fully 85% say parents bear a great deal of responsibility for protecting children\u2019s online privacy. Roughly six-in-ten say the same about technology companies, and an even smaller share believe the government should have a great deal of responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Law enforcement and surveillance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The survey also measured how acceptable Americans think it is for law enforcement to use surveillance tools during criminal investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRoughly three-quarters of Americans say it\u2019s very or somewhat acceptable for law enforcement to obtain footage from cameras people install at their residences during a criminal investigation or use information from cellphone towers to track where someone is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By comparison, smaller shares \u2013 though still a slight majority \u2013 say it is acceptable to break the passcode on a user\u2019s phone (54%) or require third parties to turn over users\u2019 private chats, messages or calls (55%) during a criminal investigation.[2. Half of respondents were asked the questions above, and the other half received the same questions with the added context of it being a \u201ccriminal investigation where public safety is at risk.\u201d Differences in response were largely modest. See Appendix A<\/a> for these findings.]<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbout one-in-ten Americans say they aren\u2019t sure how they feel about law enforcement doing each of these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Older adults are much more likely than younger adults to say it\u2019s at least somewhat acceptable for law enforcement to take each of these actions in criminal investigations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, 88% of those 65 and older say it\u2019s acceptable for law enforcement to obtain footage from cameras people install at their residences, compared with 57% of those ages 18 to 29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Racial and ethnic differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In the case of a criminal investigation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- White adults are more likely than Hispanic and Black adults to think it\u2019s acceptable for law enforcement to use information from cellphone towers to track people\u2019s locations and to break the passcode on a user\u2019s phone to get access to its contents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White and Hispanic adults are more likely than Black adults to say it\u2019s acceptable to require third parties to turn over users\u2019 private chats, messages or calls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
AI and data collection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nArtificial intelligence (AI) can be used to collect and analyze people\u2019s personal information. Some Americans are wary of companies using AI in this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fully 55% of adults say using computer programs to determine who should be eligible for public assistance is unacceptable. Roughly a quarter say it\u2019s an acceptable use of AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roughly half (48%) think it is unacceptable for social media companies to analyze what people do on their sites to deliver personalized content. Still, 41% are supportive of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Views are mixed when it comes to smart speakers analyzing people\u2019s voices to learn who is speaking. Statistically equal shares say it\u2019s unacceptable and acceptable (44% and 42%, respectively).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And some Americans \u2013 ranging from 10% to 17% \u2013 are uncertain about whether these uses are acceptable or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe survey also explores the concerns people have about data collection and security \u2013 specifically, how they feel about three scenarios around companies, law enforcement and identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roughly four-in-ten Americans say they are very <\/em>worried about companies selling their information to others without them knowing (42%) or people stealing their identity or personal information (38%). Fewer are apprehensive about law enforcement monitoring what they do online (15%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, some of these shares are higher among Hispanic, Black or Asian adults:[1. This survey includes a total sample size of 364 Asian adults. The sample primarily includes English-speaking Asian adults and, therefore, it may not be representative of the overall Asian adult population. Despite this limitation, it is important to report the views of Asian adults on the topics in this study. As always, Asian adults\u2019 responses are incorporated into the general population figures throughout this report. Asian adults are shown as a separate group when the question was asked of the full sample. Because of the relatively small sample size and a reduction in precision due to weighting, results are not shown separately for Asian adults for questions that were only asked of a random half of respondents (Form 1\/Form 2).] <\/p>\n\n\n\n A majority of Americans say they are concerned, lack control and have a limited understanding about how the data collected about them is used. This is true whether it\u2019s the government or companies using their data. Similar sentiments were expressed in 2019, when we last asked about this<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concern is high:<\/em> 81% say they feel very or somewhat concerned with how companies use the data they collect about them. Fully 71% say the same regarding the government\u2019s use of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People don\u2019t feel in control:<\/em> Roughly three-quarters or more feel they have very little or no control over the data collected about them by companies (73%) or the government (79%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding is low: <\/em>Americans also say they don\u2019t understand what these actors are doing with the data collected about them. Majorities say they have very little or no understanding of this, whether by the government (77%) or companies (67%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Americans are now less knowledgeable than before about how companies are using their personal data. The share who say they don\u2019t understand this has risen from 59% in 2019 to 67% in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They have also grown more concerned about how the government uses the data it collects about them, with the share expressing concern up from 64% to 71% over this same period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While these sentiments have not changed significantly since 2019 among Democrats and those who lean toward the Democratic Party, Republicans and GOP leaners have grown more wary of government data collection. Today, 77% of Republicans say they are concerned about how the government uses data it collects about them, up from 63% four years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Americans are less knowledgeable about data privacy laws today than in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, 72% of Americans say they have little to no understanding about the laws and regulations that are currently in place to protect their data privacy. This is up from 63% in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By comparison, the shares who say they understand some or a great deal about these laws decreased from 37% in 2019 to 27% in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, 72% say there should be more government regulation of what companies can do with their customers\u2019 personal information. Just 7% say there should be less regulation. Another 18% say it should stay about the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is broad partisan support for greater involvement by the government in regulating consumer data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A majority of Democrats and Republicans say there should be more government regulation for how companies treat users\u2019 personal information (78% vs. 68%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n These findings are largely on par with a 2019 Center survey<\/a> that showed strong support for increased regulations across parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Majorities of Americans say they have little to no trust that leaders of social media companies will publicly admit mistakes regarding consumer data being misused or compromised (77%), that these leaders will not sell users\u2019 personal data to others without their consent (76%), and that leaders would be held accountable by the government if they were to misuse or compromise users\u2019 personal data (71%). <\/p>\n\n\n\n This includes notable shares who have no trust at all<\/em> in those who are running social media sites. For example, 46% say they have no trust at all in executives of social media companies to not sell users\u2019 data without their consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most Americans say they are concerned about social media sites knowing personal information about children (89%), advertisers using data about what children do online to target ads to them (85%) and online games tracking what children are doing on them (84%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concern is widespread, with no statistically significant differences between those with and without children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another key question is who should be responsible for the actual protection of kids\u2019 online privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fully 85% say parents bear a great deal of responsibility for protecting children\u2019s online privacy. Roughly six-in-ten say the same about technology companies, and an even smaller share believe the government should have a great deal of responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The survey also measured how acceptable Americans think it is for law enforcement to use surveillance tools during criminal investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Roughly three-quarters of Americans say it\u2019s very or somewhat acceptable for law enforcement to obtain footage from cameras people install at their residences during a criminal investigation or use information from cellphone towers to track where someone is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By comparison, smaller shares \u2013 though still a slight majority \u2013 say it is acceptable to break the passcode on a user\u2019s phone (54%) or require third parties to turn over users\u2019 private chats, messages or calls (55%) during a criminal investigation.[2. Half of respondents were asked the questions above, and the other half received the same questions with the added context of it being a \u201ccriminal investigation where public safety is at risk.\u201d Differences in response were largely modest. See Appendix A<\/a> for these findings.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n About one-in-ten Americans say they aren\u2019t sure how they feel about law enforcement doing each of these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older adults are much more likely than younger adults to say it\u2019s at least somewhat acceptable for law enforcement to take each of these actions in criminal investigations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, 88% of those 65 and older say it\u2019s acceptable for law enforcement to obtain footage from cameras people install at their residences, compared with 57% of those ages 18 to 29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the case of a criminal investigation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to collect and analyze people\u2019s personal information. Some Americans are wary of companies using AI in this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fully 55% of adults say using computer programs to determine who should be eligible for public assistance is unacceptable. Roughly a quarter say it\u2019s an acceptable use of AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Roughly half (48%) think it is unacceptable for social media companies to analyze what people do on their sites to deliver personalized content. Still, 41% are supportive of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Views are mixed when it comes to smart speakers analyzing people\u2019s voices to learn who is speaking. Statistically equal shares say it\u2019s unacceptable and acceptable (44% and 42%, respectively).<\/p>\n\n\n\n And some Americans \u2013 ranging from 10% to 17% \u2013 are uncertain about whether these uses are acceptable or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRacial and ethnic differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Feelings of concern, confusion and a lack of control over one\u2019s data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPrivacy laws and regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Americans largely favor more regulation to protect personal information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nViews by political affiliation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Trust in social media executives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s online privacy: Concerns and responsibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLaw enforcement and surveillance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAge differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Racial and ethnic differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
AI and data collection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAge differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Most](\"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/10\/PI_2023.10.18_data-privacy_1-11.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n