After WhatsApp announced last month that it would begin sharing user data with its parent company Facebook, consumers have pronounced concerns on data collection and sharing. Although there are often many end-user benefits to such initiatives, it’s a considerable 60 percent in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region who say they worry about how their personal data is used by companies. Particularly telling is that this sentiment shows virtually no variation by age: 16-24s are just as likely as 55-64s to be concerned about data collection.
In light of these concerns, it’s hardly surprising that so many consumers are attempting to manage and safeguard their online presence by deploying ad-blockers, private browsers, anti-trackers and the like. It’s also a clear reminder of why transparent and consumer-centric data policies are becoming so important.
