A new consumer survey on the digital habits and expectations of Europeans in nine major EU markets conducted by ETNO, the Association representing Europe’s largest telecom operators, finds that consumers appear to not be fully confident in their understanding of protection standards over the use of their personal data. The research shows that only one in eight respondents (12%) are fully aware of the higher levels of data protection when using regulated telecom services as opposed to online services.
However, almost eight in ten consumers (77%) clearly say that internet-based communication providers should be “legally required” to inform them when there is a breach in their personal data. Consumers also see data as an opportunity, but they want clarity. As online services increasingly demand access to their personal data, 56% of the respondents believe they should be offered a clear option between paying a monetary fee for using a service or sharing personal data instead.