"Approximately one-fourth of Indians have experienced identity fraud, according to a recent study"
In a digital era where personal information is increasingly at risk, the importance of protecting data has never been more crucial. Ritesh Chopra, Country Director of NortonLifeLock, India, emphasized this point, stating that understanding the gravity of the situation is key.
The insights were backed by the 'NortonLifeLock Cyber Safety Insights Report,' which was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of NortonLifeLock among 10,063 adults in 10 countries. The findings for India reveal a population that is not only aware of the risks but is also actively taking steps to safeguard their personal data.
One of the most striking findings was that a majority (74 percent) of Indian respondents have chosen not to download a certain app or use a specific service solely because of its privacy policy. This indicates a growing consciousness among the public, with data privacy becoming a significant concern.
Indian adults are split on who should be held most responsible for ensuring the protection of personal information and data privacy, with 42 percent saying it is the government that should be most responsible, followed by companies (32 percent).
The report also highlighted two main concerns of the respondents: the selling of sensitive personal information to third parties and the fear of their personal information being exposed in a data breach. These fears are not unfounded, as 80 percent of respondents reported being a victim of cybercrime at some point in their lives, and nearly four in 10 Indian adults (39 percent) have experienced identity theft at some point in their lifetime.
However, it's concerning that 63 percent of respondents would have no idea what to do in case of identity theft. In 2019, 10 percent of Indian adults experienced identity theft, underscoring the need for education and awareness about the steps to take in such situations.
Ritesh Chopra advised that it is crucial for each one of us to be mindful of our digital footprint, the kind of data we are actively sharing with third parties, and the extent of access we are giving them through our devices.
The public opinion in India regarding data privacy is characterized by growing awareness and debate, especially highlighted by controversies such as the Facebook internet.org initiative. This reflects an increasing demand for stronger data protection and regulatory oversight in India.
Interestingly, the report by NortonLifeLock indicates that 61 percent of respondents feel well-protected against ID theft. Despite this, nearly all Indian respondents (94 percent) have actively taken steps to hide their online footprint. This suggests a paradox, where people feel protected yet are actively taking steps to ensure their privacy.
When it comes to emerging technologies, the report shows that more Indians (58 percent) support the use of facial recognition than oppose it. However, Indian respondents are more likely than consumers globally to have opted against purchasing a smart home device over privacy or security concerns (63 percent vs. 37 percent global average).
This suggests that while Indians are open to new technologies, they are also cautious about their privacy. As we navigate this digital age, it's essential to strike a balance between innovation and privacy, ensuring that personal data is protected while allowing for technological advancements.
