GoKawiilIncogni survey finds Americans downplay privacy concerns yet guard personal data closely
A new survey from data removal service Incogni, covering 1,517 U.S. adults, found that 45% say they aren't concerned about their online privacy. Despite this, among those who claimed to have 'nothing to hide,' 58% would refuse to let a stranger unlock their phone for any amount of money, 39% cover their device cameras, and nearly half wouldn't share text messages with the government or 'Big Tech' even for three months' income.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The gap between stated indifference and actual protective behavior suggests many people underestimate how much they value privacy until a concrete scenario makes the stakes real. Ron Zayas, founder and CEO of Ironwall by Incogni, argues that privacy feels abstract until it results in tangible harm like financial loss or exposure. This contradiction could complicate efforts by policymakers and companies to gauge genuine public demand for privacy protections based on self-reported attitudes alone.
- 45% of surveyed U.S. adults say they aren't concerned about online privacy
- Yet 58% of those claiming 'nothing to hide' would refuse to unlock their phone for a stranger at any price
- Nearly half wouldn't give text messages to government or Big Tech even for three months' salary
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Published there as: “Security Bite: Americans are contradicting themselves around privacy”
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