Gov starts survey on data privacy

Gov. Cuomo wants to know how much you know about data privacy.

In the wake of a series of disturbing reports about Facebook and similar social media sites accessing private data, the governor launched a survey Tuesday to gauge how New Yorkers feel about data privacy issues.

The survey asks respondents about how many smart devices they have in their homes, which operating system are being used and whether they know how to access privacy settings on social media, apps and browsers.

“In the Digital Age nearly every New Yorker has an online presence and consumers are an important resource for identifying ways to make the internet safer,” Cuomo said. “This survey will provide policymakers with important insight into data privacy issues that will inform our efforts to create effective policy that prevents online companies from misusing or abusing personal data.”

In February, Cuomo ordered a pair of state agencies to investigate a media report that Facebook may be accessing far more personal information than previously known from smartphone users, including health and other sensitive data.

The results of the survey, which also asks people to describe what personal information they believe is being collected, stored or sold by social media outlets, will be used to inform the state’s policies regarding the online marketplace and social media, including possible new laws and regulations, according to the governor’s office.