Australians lack awareness around personal data use

Australians are least aware of how data collectors use their personal information, compared to people in other countries, according to a new study.

The study — commissioned by mapping and location services provider HERE Technologies — found only 23% of Australians are aware of what happens with their data once they’ve shared it, compared to 33% of survey respondents, globally.

Alarmingly, Australians had also experienced above average bouts of inappropriate data use — such as email or bank account hacking or personal data leakage — and spam from companies they hadn’t interacted with previously, in the last two to three years.

Despite the lack of understanding around personal data use and higher rates of cybercrime, 21% of Australians still felt sharing personal information is “vital” in the digitised world and 31% said they’d be more willing to buy products and services or use apps from companies they know treat their personal data appropriately, according to HERE.

Overall, HERE found that consumers are more willing to share their personal data if they see a clear benefit, such as increased safety and security, service enablement and financial savings, and that the data collector is trusted and reputable.

A summary of the study’s global insights can be found via HERE’s website.

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