New NTIA Data Suggests Enhancing Privacy, Security May Help Growth of Digital Economy

Guest blog post by Rafi Goldberg, Policy Analyst, National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Office of Policy Analysis and Development

Every day, billions of people around the world use the Internet to share ideas, conduct financial transactions, and keep in touch with family, friends, and colleagues. Users send and store personal medical data, business communications, and even intimate conversations over this global network. But for the Internet to grow and thrive, users must continue to trust that their personal information will be secure and their privacy protected.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) analysis of recent data shows that Americans are increasingly concerned about online security and privacy at a time when data breaches, cybersecurity incidents, and controversies over the privacy of online services have become more prominent. These concerns are prompting some Americans to limit their online activity, according to data collected for NTIA in July 2015 by the U.S. Census Bureau. This survey included several privacy and security questions, which were asked of more than 41,000 households that reported having at least one Internet user.

NTIA’s initial analysis only scratches the surface of this important area, but it is clear that policymakers need to develop a better understanding of mistrust in the privacy and security of the Internet and the resulting chilling effects. In addition to being a problem of great concern to many Americans, privacy and security issues may reduce economic activity and hamper the free exchange of ideas online.

NTIA will continue to analyze relevant data, as well as potential policies—such as encouraging the widespread deployment of strong encryption and other security measures—that could help build trust in the Internet and stimulate the free flow of information and commerce online. Acting on the President’s 2012 privacy blueprint, which NTIA helped develop, the Obama Administration last year unveiled draft privacy legislation that would provide baseline privacy protections to all Americans. NTIA has also convened a series of multistakeholder processes aimed at improving private sector online privacy and cybersecurity practices, and is soliciting comment on privacy, security, and other policy issues connected to the Internet of Things. To ensure continued growth in the digital economy, we as a nation must continue to address privacy and security concerns that may lead to a lack of trust in the Internet.

For the full blog and for more specific information on NTIA's findings, please go to http://1.usa.gov/27jJfSX