In an increasingly digitized world, personal data have become a precious resource, but often underestimated by users. The data of the Digital Sustainability Observatory, published on the occasion of the European Day of Personal Data, highlight a worrying picture: while technology penetrates more and more in everyday life, awareness on the importance of privacy seems to decrease.
Privacy, far from being an immutable concept, has turned over time. In the Middle Ages, individual confidentiality was almost non -existent, while today it should represent a fundamental right. However, technological evolution has introduced new challenges: digital platforms and social networks exploit sensitive data with often insufficient transparency, making the protection of the private sphere increasingly complex.
“Digital sustainability cannot be separated from a responsible management of personal data.” Stefano Epifani, president of the Foundation for digital sustainability, said. “Digital platforms, now central in daily activities, are based largely on the information generated by users. However, it is crucial that the development of these technologies takes place in a framework of full privacy protection, guaranteeing individuals control over their data and preventing improper uses. In a context in which there is no longer a “real” and a “virtual” but – at the most – an “analog” and a “digital”, and at a time when an increasingly important part of our life is intermediate by the platforms digital, it is essential that citizens realize the value of privacy, and that institutions are activated to guarantee their protection. ” – continued Epifani.
The lack of attention to privacy is further amplified by a digital divide culturale which separates cities and small municipalities. In smaller centers, the sensitivity to privacy is even more reduced, with alarming percentages of people who ignore the implications of their actions online. Paradoxically, just when technology makes it more difficult to protect confidentiality, many seem to consider it a secondary problem.
Here are the 5 things to know, according to the Observatory of the Foundation for digital sustainability
Privacy is a priority, but not for everyone
78% of Italians say they pay attention to the protection of their personal data online, marking a growing awareness of the importance of privacy. However, only 24% of respondents say they always check if the information shared online can harm the privacy of others. This figure reveals a paradox: while privacy is perceived as an important value, many do not act consistently to protect it. In small towns, the sensitivity is even lower, with only 17% of the inhabitants who systematically worry about the privacy of others, compared to 31% of large urban centers.
Social networks have too much power, but opinions are divided
52% of Italians believe that social networks have excessive power in influencing people’s behavior, with peaks of concern in large urban centers (31% consider it a “very” relevant problem). However, in small towns, 32% of interviewees believe that social networks affect “little or not at all”, reflecting a different perception of the role of these platforms. This gap could be linked to less exposure to digital dynamics in less urbanized contexts.
Privacy is a priority, but often sacrificable theme
34% of Italians consider privacy an absolute priority for digital platforms, with a percentage that rises to 45% in large urban centers. However, when it comes to choosing between privacy and personalized services, many show an ambivalence. In small towns, 50% of interviewees believe that customization is “quite” important, even at the expense of privacy. This suggests that, despite awareness, privacy is often sacrificed in the name of the convenience or efficiency of digital services.
Social regulation: more control is needed, but there is inconsistency
22% of Italians are in favor of a more restrictive regulation of social networks, with a clear distinction between large and small towns. In large centers, almost one in three Italians (29%) supports the need for more severe rules, while in small towns this percentage drops to 16%. However, a certain inconsistency emerges: 62% of residents in small municipalities believe that the internal rules of the platforms are sufficient, suggesting an unclear vision of the implications of the regulation.
Privacy Vs. Personalization: an unsolved dilemma
While 34% of Italians consider privacy an absolute priority for digital platforms, many show an ambivalence when it comes to choosing between privacy and personalized services. In small towns, 50% of interviewees believe that customization is “quite” important, even at the expense of privacy. In large centers, however, 52% firmly rejects the idea that customization may have priority, a sign of greater awareness of the risks related to the sharing of personal data.
These and other data will be discussed in the presentation webinar of the Observatory, which will be held on February 27th.