Nine in ten Brits want control over their data being collected by companies online and how they are being used.
64% of adults said that they aren’t happy with the way companies collect and use data about them.
But they added that they can’t do much about it while 26% agreed about the need for companies to collect data to provide them with services.
44% said they would use a service if the provider could guarantee the safety and security of all the personal data.
They want control over the personal data and want to know who has access to it and how it is used. They are even willing to pay for it.
The online survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
BCS director of policy David Evans said: "Every day we are presented with the stark contrast between how personal data affects us and what we want, both as individuals and organisations. We’ve become used to it, but when we reflect on it, things simply aren’t right.
"Terms and conditions mean we’re given an ultimatum when we want a conversation. Vulnerable people can be hounded even by organisations they should have a positive relationship with.
"It feels that we can’t trust big household names to look after or use our data as we’d want them to. Yet organisations are also carrying risks and frustrated by constraints, and that isn’t good for business. Personal data is not working for anyone; we need to come together and fix it."
The survey report has been published as the Chartered Institute for IT has launched the consultative stage of its personal data challenge.
The challenge is seeking inputs from individuals and organisations to address personal data challenge in future.
David added: "Lots of people are talking about these problems, some people are working on smart ways to solve them, and everyone is suffering from the issues.
"However, these conversations are often disconnected, and lack a shared sense of purpose. We’ve got a role to play in facilitating that conversation, bringing people together under that banner. That’s why we’ve put out this challenge, and the first thing we want to do is get the community to test it and refine it."
