Americans Worried About Personal Data Held by Public Agencies and Want Government Accountability

To better understand public sentiment and concerns around the government’s collection, sharing, and consolidation of personal data, the Center for Democracy & Technology conducted nationally representative polling of U.S. adults. CDT found that concern is consistent and high and that people across the United States want to hold government agencies accountable for protecting the privacy of their personal data. Specifically: 

• An overwhelming majority of Americans are concerned about the privacy and security of their personal data that is held by the government;
• Americans report that government misuse of data could lead to real-life impacts, such as surveillance and the chilling of rightful access to public benefits;
• Americans agree that privacy laws and policies are important but are not familiar with their legal rights;
• Worries about personal data are high, with certain data elements and reasons for data sharing raising particular concern, especially related to law and immigration enforcement; and
• Americans want government held accountable for protecting their personal data.