Survey: Most people don’t want to pay for online privacy

Respondents want Facebook, Google to collect less data

People say they want online privacy. But are they willing to pay for it?

Most Americans say no, according to a new survey that comes as online privacy concerns pile up and the drumbeat for regulation gets louder.

When internet users were asked whether they wanted Facebook and Google to collect less data, 67.8 percent of them strongly agreed, a survey released Wednesday by the Center for Data Innovation shows.

But the survey found that Americans’ support for companies collecting less data declined when they were asked to make tradeoffs.

When asked whether they would like Facebook and Google to collect less data even if it means seeing less useful ads, 57.8 percent of those surveyed strongly agreed. How about losing access to some features offered by the companies in exchange for less data collection? Only 34.8 percent strongly agreed.

And only 18 percent strongly agreed with the statement “I would like online services such as Facebook and Google to collect less of my data even if it means paying a monthly subscription fee.”

The survey was conducted by the Center for Data Innovation, which is part of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. The ITIF, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, has received funding from tech companies, labor groups and other sources. Both think tanks advocate for fewer regulations.

The survey also asked internet users whether they would want companies to collect more data if it meant seeing fewer ads, accessing more new features, or getting free apps and services. Only 10.1 percent or less of those surveyed strongly agreed in each of those cases.

The survey polled 3,240 U.S. adult internet users between Dec. 13 and Dec. 16, 2018.