Your friend with ‘nothing to hide’ is more likely to spy on you, study shows

2026-09-10 | original

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Why This Matters

The study reveals that individuals who claim they have 'nothing to hide' are actually more likely to spy on others' devices, challenging assumptions about privacy attitudes. This underscores the importance of understanding behavioral nuances around digital privacy, especially among younger generations. For consumers and the industry, it highlights the need for better privacy awareness and security practices despite outward attitudes towards privacy.

Key Takeaways

People who say they have 'nothing to hide' are more likely to spy on others' devices.
Younger generations like Gen Z are the most prone to snooping behaviors.
The findings challenge the idea that claiming 'nothing to hide' equates to a lack of privacy concerns.

DjelicS/iStock/Getty Images Plus

ZDNET’s key takeaways

If you’ve said you have ‘nothing to hide,’ do you still want device privacy?

New research finds those who say it are actually more likely to spy on others.

Stop others from snooping on your smartphone by following the advice below.

Most of us have heard the phrase, “I have nothing to hide.”

Outside of TV police dramas, we use it at home and work, too — especially in situations where we might have been accused of something.

Also: The 10-step phone security tune-up you should run every year

However, according to research by data removal service Incogni, those who say they have “nothing to hide” are far more likely to have secretly spied upon someone else’s phone or laptop in public.

I have nothing to hide, but do you?

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