According to a May 2023 survey of internet users in the United States, more than 80 percent of social media users classified as most knowledgeable in data privacy and cybersecurity topics had the experience of changing the privacy settings on their social media accounts. Among the users who ranked as least familiar with digital privacy topics, around 50 percent modified the privacy settings of their social media accounts. Furthermore, most knowledgeable users were more likely to turn off cookies or website tracking.

A May 2023 survey among U.S. adults found that nearly seven in 10 respondents had changed their social media privacy settings or prevented websites from tracking their personal information. Around half of them stated that they had stopped using a digital service or a product because of data privacy concerns.

According to a May 2023 survey of internet users in the United States, around a quarter of the respondents were the least knowledgeable about privacy and cybersecurity. Conversely, only 21 percent were categorized as the most knowledgeable in these topics.

According to a May 2023 survey of internet users in the United States, more than 70 percent of respondents expressed the opinion that there is a need for more privacy laws. More Democrats than Republicans thought more privacy regulations were needed. Furthermore, around 20 percent of Republicans said current regulations were enough.

Millard and Bascerano (2016)describe privacy at its core as the right to be let alone and ascribe the breach thereof to constitute a crime with the potential award of damages to the victim. In South Africa, the Bill of Rights within the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, affords privacy protection to every person.Nyoni and Velempini (2018)and Arzoglou et al. (2023)tendered that the rapid proliferation of innovative technologies has further intensified privacy concerns due to new opportunities for surveillance, tracking, detection and watching people.Kshetri and DeFranco (2020)note that the Cambridge Analytica privacy breach included the Facebook personal information of eighty-seven (87) million users that was used to profile and tailor advertisements to solicit votes for the intended political candidate. Similarly, numerous other social media platforms may be subject to similar risks and practices(Kshetri & DeFranco, 2020).Beigi and Liu (2020)are of the opinion that data breaches are an eventuality that must be pre-empted by both private and public organisations through the stringent implementation of information security measures and awareness programmes for staff and clients. The authors concede that stolen personal information can be used for identity theft and fraudulent financial transactions, resulting in personal losses, reputational harm and bad credit ratings for many people(Beigi & Liu, 2020).

In 2023, almost three in four adults in the United States had little to no understanding of privacy laws. This share has increased compared to 2019, when 63 percent of respondents stated they did not comprehend the data privacy laws. Similarly, the share of those who understood the laws very well, or at least to some extent, has decreased in the measured period.

Social Media Security Market size was valued at USD 1.26 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.91 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.10% from 2024 to 2031.Global Social Media Security Market DriversThe market drivers for the Social Media Security Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:Growing Cyber Threats: As a result of the increase in cyberattacks directed at social media sites, there is a rising need for strong security solutions to safeguard user data and sensitive information.Growing Awareness: As people and organisations become more conscious of the dangers of using social media, they spend money on security measures to protect their online presence.harsher legislation: Businesses are being forced to strengthen their social media security measures as a result of governments and regulatory agencies enforcing harsher legislation and compliance requirements for data protection and privacy.Extending Digital Transformation: Social media platform usage for business reasons is being driven by the continuous digital transformation occurring across industries. Security solutions are even more important in order to reduce the threats that could arise from online interactions.Growing Uptake of BYOD Guidelines: Employees can now access social media sites from their own devices thanks to the increased acceptance of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) regulations in the workplace, which makes corporate networks more susceptible to security breaches.Advanced Threat Emergence: Cybercriminals are always changing their strategies to take advantage of holes in social media networks. The need for sophisticated security solutions that can identify and neutralise sophisticated threats instantly has resulted from this.Brand Reputation Concerns: Companies are aware of how social media security events affect their reputation and the trust of their customers. They therefore have a tendency to spend money on security measures in order to guard against any breaches that can damage their reputation.Growth of E-commerce: Cybercriminals seeking to take advantage of weaknesses in payment systems and consumer data have been drawn to the e-commerce operations that have proliferated on social media platforms. As a result, security solutions are becoming more and more necessary to guarantee safe transactions and safeguard private data.

The goal of this study is to measure willingness to participate in passive mobile data collection among German smartphone owners. The data come from a two-wave web survey among German smartphone users 18 years and older who were recruited from a German nonprobability online panel. In December 2016, 2,623 participants completed the Wave 1 questionnaire on smartphone use and skills, privacy and security concerns, and general attitudes towards survey research and research institutions. In January 2017, all respondents from Wave 1 were invited to participate in a second web survey which included vignettes that varied the levels of several dimensions of a hypothetical study using passive mobile data collection, and respondents were asked to rate their willingness to participate in such a study. A total of 1,957 respondents completed the Wave 2 questionnaire.

Wave 1

Topics: Ownership of smartphone, mobile phone, PC, tablet, and/or e-book reader; type of smartphone; frequency of smartphone use; smartphone activities (browsing, e-mails, taking photos, view/ post social media content, shopping, online banking, installing apps, using GPS-enabled apps, connecting via Bluethooth, play games, stream music/ videos); self-assessment of smartphone skills; attitude towards surveys and participaton at research studies (personal interest, waste of time, sales pitch, interesting experience, useful); trust in institutions regarding data privacy (market research companies, university researchers, statistical office, mobile service provider, app companies, credit card companies, online retailer, and social networks); concerns regarding the disclosure of personal data by the aforementioned institutions; general privacy concern; privacy violated by banks/ credit card companies, tax authorities, government agencies, market research companies, social networks, apps, internet browsers); concern regarding data security with smartphone activities for research (online survey, survey apps, research apps, SMS survey, camera, activity data, GPS location, Bluetooth); number of online surveys in which the respondent has participated in the last 30 days; Panel memberships other than that of mingle; previous participation in a study with downloading a research app to the smartphone (passive mobile data collection).

Wave 2

Topics: Willingness to participate in passive mobile data collection (using eight vignettes with different scenarios that varied the levels of several dimensions of a hypothetical study using passive mobile data collection. The research app collects the following data for research purposes: technical characteristics of the smartphone (e.g. phone brand, screen size), the currently used telephone network (e.g. signal strength), the current location (every 5 minutes), which apps are used and which websites are visited, number of incoming and outgoing calls and SMS messages on the smartphone); reason why the respondent wouldn´t (respectively would) participate in the research study used in the first scenario (open answer); recognition of differences between the eight scenarios; kind of recognized difference (open answer); remembered data the research app collects (recall); previous invitation for research app download; research app download.

Demography: sex; age; federal state; highest level of school education; highest level of vocational qualification.

Additionally coded was: running number; respondent ID; duration (response time in seconds); device type used to fill out the questionnaire; vignette text; vignette intro time; vignette time.

The global social networking market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, rising internet usage, and the expanding adoption of social media platforms across diverse demographics and sectors. The market, estimated at $250 billion in 2025, is projected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated value of $800 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key trends, including the rise of short-form video content, the increasing integration of social commerce, and the evolution of metaverse-related features on social media platforms. The BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) and Retail/Wholesale sectors are major contributors to this growth, leveraging social networking for marketing, customer engagement, and sales. However, concerns around data privacy, misinformation, and cybersecurity pose significant challenges, acting as restraints on the market's unfettered expansion. The market is segmented across various platforms (mobile applications, digital platforms) and applications (public sector, BFSI, telecom and media, retail/wholesale, others), with mobile applications dominating due to their accessibility and convenience. Geographic distribution shows North America and Asia-Pacific as leading regions, benefiting from high internet and smartphone penetration rates. Competition in the social networking market is intense, with established giants like Facebook, Instagram, Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, Tencent, Pinterest, and Tumblr vying for market share. Future growth will depend on platforms' ability to innovate, adapt to evolving user preferences, and effectively address regulatory concerns regarding data privacy and content moderation. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing user experience and targeted advertising. Furthermore, the emergence of new social media platforms and innovative features will continue to shape the competitive landscape. The market's future trajectory hinges on navigating the challenges of misinformation, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory scrutiny while simultaneously capitalizing on the immense potential offered by emerging technologies and user demands.

The social media search engine market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing reliance on social platforms for information gathering and the evolution of sophisticated search algorithms within these platforms. The market, while difficult to precisely quantify due to the interwoven nature of search functionality within social media platforms (many don't offer dedicated search engines), is estimated to be valued at approximately $50 billion in 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors: the expanding user base of social media platforms, the increasing sophistication of social media search algorithms (better understanding of natural language queries and visual search capabilities), and the rise of social commerce, which intrinsically relies on effective search within social networks to discover products and services. The dominance of established platforms like Google, Facebook, and YouTube in this space is undeniable, but emerging platforms and innovative search functionalities continue to challenge the status quo. Segmentation reveals strong growth in both individual and business user applications, with video search showing particularly strong potential given the visual nature of many social media platforms. However, the market also faces restraints. Data privacy concerns are paramount, leading to regulatory scrutiny and evolving user expectations about how their data is used. Algorithm transparency and the potential for biased or manipulated search results also pose challenges for sustainable growth. Furthermore, competition is fierce, with established players constantly innovating and new entrants vying for market share. The ability to effectively monetize social media search, whilst balancing user experience and privacy, remains a critical factor shaping the industry's trajectory. Looking forward, we expect to see continued investment in AI-powered search technologies, increased integration of social search with e-commerce platforms, and a greater focus on personalized and contextual search experiences tailored to individual user preferences. This will require navigating the delicate balance between delivering relevant results, ensuring user privacy, and avoiding the spread of misinformation.

Social Media Analytics AI Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Social Media Analytics AI market size reached USD 7.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 23.8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a forecasted market size of USD 61.2 billion by 2033. This remarkable growth trajectory is driven by the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence to derive actionable insights from vast volumes of social media data, enabling organizations to enhance customer engagement, refine marketing strategies, and gain a competitive edge in the digital landscape.

One of the primary growth factors fueling the Social Media Analytics AI market is the exponential surge in social media usage worldwide. With billions of users generating enormous volumes of data every second, organizations are increasingly leveraging AI-powered analytics to extract meaningful patterns, trends, and sentiments from this data. The ability to process unstructured data at scale and in real-time has empowered businesses to respond proactively to customer needs, manage brand reputation, and optimize their digital presence. Furthermore, the proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet connectivity has amplified the volume and complexity of social media data, necessitating advanced analytics solutions that can handle multi-modal content, including text, images, and videos. This trend is expected to continue, driving sustained demand for AI-driven social media analytics across diverse industry verticals.

Another significant driver is the growing emphasis on personalized marketing and customer experience management. As competition intensifies across sectors such as retail, BFSI, healthcare, and media & entertainment, companies are turning to Social Media Analytics AI to segment audiences, tailor campaigns, and predict consumer behavior more accurately. AI-powered analytics tools enable marketers to identify micro-trends, monitor competitor activities, and measure campaign effectiveness with unprecedented precision. The integration of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms further enhances the ability to analyze sentiment, detect emerging issues, and automate content optimization. As businesses strive for greater agility and responsiveness in their marketing strategies, the adoption of advanced analytics platforms is set to accelerate, propelling market growth.

In addition to technological advancements, regulatory developments and data privacy concerns are shaping the evolution of the Social Media Analytics AI market. Governments and regulatory bodies, particularly in regions such as Europe and North America, are introducing stringent data protection laws, compelling organizations to adopt compliant analytics solutions. This has led to increased investments in secure, transparent, and ethically designed AI systems that respect user privacy while delivering actionable insights. Moreover, the growing demand for real-time analytics in crisis management, public sentiment monitoring, and misinformation detection is opening new avenues for market expansion, especially among government agencies and public sector organizations.

From a regional perspective, North America continues to dominate the Social Media Analytics AI market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, driven by the presence of leading technology providers, high digital adoption rates, and a mature ecosystem for AI innovation. However, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by rapid digitalization, increasing social media penetration, and rising investments in AI infrastructure across countries such as China, India, and Japan. Europe remains a key market, supported by strong regulatory frameworks and a focus on data-driven decision-making among enterprises. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as promising markets, with growing awareness of the strategic value of social media analytics in business transformation.

Component Analysis

The Social Media Analytics AI market is segmented by component into software and services, each playing a critical role in the ecosystem. The software segment encompasses advanced analytics platforms, AI engines, and visualization tools designed to process and interpret vast amounts of social media data. These solutions leverage machine learning, natural language processing, and image recognition to automate data collection, sentiment analysis, and trend id

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Social Media Listening Market Size 2025-2029

The social media listening market size is forecast to increase by USD 4.87 billion at a CAGR of 8.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing usage of social media platforms worldwide. With over 4.3 billion users as of 2021, social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their customers and gain valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences. A key trend in this market is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies in social media listening solutions, enabling more accurate and efficient data analysis. However, this market is not without challenges. Data privacy and regulatory compliance are becoming increasingly important, with stricter regulations being implemented to protect user data.
Companies must ensure they have strong data security measures in place to comply with these regulations and maintain consumer trust. Additionally, the vast amount of data generated on social media requires sophisticated analytics tools to extract meaningful insights. As such, businesses seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market must invest in advanced analytics solutions and prioritize data security and privacy. By doing so, they can effectively navigate the challenges and stay ahead of the competition.

What will be the Size of the Social Media Listening Market during the forecast period?

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Social media listening has emerged as a crucial business tool, enabling organizations to gain valuable insights from the vast amount of data generated through social media activity. This data is analyzed using techniques such as topic modeling and sentiment scoring to understand consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. Social media geographics and demographics provide essential context, while social media reach and volume measure the scope and impact of conversations. Social media pulse and sentiment reflect the current sentiment and buzz surrounding specific topics, offering real-time insights into market dynamics and trends.
Social media listening software is a vital component of the global market for social media analytics. Social media influence is assessed through the size and engagement of an audience, providing valuable information for marketing and brand management strategies. The social media landscape and heatmap offer a comprehensive view of the social media ecosystem, helping businesses stay informed and adapt to evolving patterns.

How is this Social Media Listening Industry segmented?

The social media listening industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Software
  Services


End-user

  Retail and e-commerce
  IT and telecom
  BFSI
  Media and entertainment
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The software segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. This segment encompasses platforms and tools that offer real-time, automated, and scalable capabilities to monitor and analyze social media conversations across various channels such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Reddit. Real-time monitoring is a key feature of these solutions, empowering brands to identify mentions, trends, and sentiment as they emerge. By staying abreast of evolving topics, businesses can respond promptly to customer concerns, capitalize on viral events, and maintain a strong online presence. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are integral to social media listening software, enabling advanced topic identification, sentiment analysis, and trend recognition.

These technologies enable businesses to gain valuable customer insights, inform product development, and enhance customer experience. Social media listening platforms also offer data visualization and reporting features, allowing businesses to analyze and present their findings in a clear and actionable manner. Additionally, they provide social media dashboards, alerts, and governance tools to ensure compliance with social media policies and ethical standards. In summary, social media listening software plays a pivotal role in the global market for social media analytics, offering real-time insights and advanced capabilities to help businesses navigate the complex social media landscape and engage effectively with their audience.

Get a glance at the market report of share of v

An April 2023 survey of Americans found that around 57 percent of the respondents were concerned about the government tracking their online behavior daily. A further 46 percent were concerned about companies tracking their online data. Approximately 34 percent of respondents were afraid of being tracked online.

Young French people did neither trust in the Government nor in companies managing social networks to protect their online privacy. Online privacy was considered as a serious issue by the majority of French people aged 11 to 20 in 2019, given that ** percent of those young people said that they did not trust the Government protecting their online life. Only **** percent of the respondents stated that they absolutely trusted the government in protecting their online private data.

Anonymous Social Networking Software Market Outlook

The global market size for anonymous social networking software was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the increasing emphasis on privacy and data security among internet users, as well as the rising demand for platforms that allow for free expression without the fear of identity exposure.

One of the primary growth factors for the anonymous social networking software market is the increasing awareness and concern about data privacy. In an age where data breaches and misuse of personal information have become frequent, users are gravitating towards platforms that offer anonymity. This ensures their personal data is not exposed to unwarranted surveillance or commercial exploitation. Furthermore, the rise in internet penetration, particularly in emerging economies, has broadened the user base for these platforms, driving the demand for anonymous social networking solutions globally.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing demand for platforms that facilitate open and honest communication. Traditional social media platforms often subject users to social judgments and biases, which can inhibit open communication. Anonymous social networking software creates a safe space where users can share their thoughts and experiences without revealing their identities. This has proven particularly beneficial for individuals seeking mental health support, discussing sensitive topics, or simply wishing to express opinions freely.

Technological advancements and the advent of artificial intelligence have also bolstered the growth of the anonymous social networking software market. Innovative features such as AI-driven content moderation, real-time language translation, and enhanced user interfaces have improved the overall user experience, making these platforms more appealing. Additionally, the integration of blockchain technology to ensure data security and transparency is expected to further drive market growth.

From a regional perspective, North America dominated the anonymous social networking software market in 2023, accounting for a substantial share of the market. This dominance is due to the high rate of technology adoption, advanced internet infrastructure, and a growing number of tech-savvy users who value privacy. Europe also holds a significant share, driven by stringent data protection regulations such as the GDPR. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, fueled by increasing internet penetration, growing smartphone adoption, and rising awareness about data privacy among users.

Platform Analysis

The platform segment of the anonymous social networking software market can be broadly categorized into mobile and web-based platforms. Mobile platforms have gained significant traction over the past few years, largely due to the proliferation of smartphones and mobile internet services. Users prefer mobile applications because they offer the convenience of accessing the platform anytime and anywhere, thereby enhancing user engagement. Moreover, mobile platforms have the advantage of leveraging various smartphone features such as location services, camera, and push notifications to provide a richer user experience.

Web-based platforms, on the other hand, cater to users who prefer accessing social networking services through desktops or laptops. These platforms often provide a more comprehensive user interface and are capable of handling more complex functionalities compared to mobile apps. Web-based platforms are particularly popular among professional users who require robust features to manage large communities or engage in detailed discussions. Additionally, web platforms often offer better data storage and retrieval capabilities, making them suitable for enterprise-level applications.

The choice between mobile and web-based platforms often depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. For instance, younger users and individuals are more inclined towards mobile platforms due to their ease of use and accessibility. In contrast, enterprises and professional users may prefer web-based platforms for their enhanced functionalities and better data management capabilities. Both platform types are expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period, driven by continuous technological advancements and increasing user demand for anonymity.<

In the age of surveillance capitalism, the prevailing business model underlying the use of social media applications (“apps”) foresees the exchange of personal data for the allowance to use an online service. Such a data business model comes with many potential negative side effects ranging from violation of privacy issues to election manipulation. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to think of alternatives to the current data business model. The present study investigated how strong the support would be for a monetary payment model among a sample of 210 participants. Participants were asked about their willingness to pay for social media, if in turn their data would be private and other problems concerning social media use would be tackled. Only one-fifth of participants (21.43%) supported such a model. From the Big Five personality traits, Agreeableness was positively associated with support of such a model. Finally, data are also provided on how much participants would be willing to pay for social media on a monthly basis. The present study’s findings are of a preliminary nature and will contribute to the start of an important discussion.

The anonymous social software market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for privacy and authentic online interactions. While precise market size figures for 2025 are unavailable, a reasonable estimate based on industry trends and the presence of significant players like Tencent, Momo, and Tantan, suggests a market size of approximately $5 billion USD in 2025. Assuming a conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15%— reflecting the potential for user adoption in emerging markets and continued technological advancements—the market is projected to reach approximately $16 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key trends, including the rise of Gen Z and Millennial users seeking platforms that prioritize anonymity and self-expression without the pressures of public scrutiny. The increasing awareness of online privacy concerns and the desire to connect authentically, without the constraints of established social media identities, is also a major contributor to market expansion. However, challenges remain. Regulatory hurdles related to data privacy and content moderation pose significant restraints, alongside concerns about the potential misuse of anonymity for malicious activities. Successful platforms will need to navigate these issues effectively while maintaining a balance between user privacy and responsible platform management. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established tech giants and smaller, innovative startups. Tencent, Momo, and Tantan represent established players leveraging their existing user bases and technical expertise. Conversely, newer entrants like Soul and Popi are carving out niches by focusing on specific user demographics or functionalities. Future growth will depend on continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to addressing regulatory requirements. Geographical expansion into regions with high smartphone penetration and a younger demographic presents a significant opportunity for companies in the sector. The market's success hinges on the ability of platforms to effectively balance the user demand for anonymity with the responsibility of creating a safe and engaging online environment.

The decentralized social media (DSM) software market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing concerns over data privacy, censorship, and centralized control of online platforms. The market, currently estimated at $500 million in 2025, is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $4 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key trends: the rising adoption of blockchain technology, the growing demand for user-owned data, and a surge in interest in Web3 applications. The key application segments are personal use and enterprise solutions, with cloud-based deployment leading the way. While the market faces challenges like scalability issues, user experience limitations, and the need for enhanced security measures, the inherent advantages of decentralization – increased transparency, censorship resistance, and improved data security – are powerful drivers of market expansion. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with a multitude of platforms, including Minds, Mastodon, Bluesky, and others, vying for market share. This competition fosters innovation and drives the evolution of the DSM ecosystem, leading to the development of more robust and user-friendly platforms. Regional growth is anticipated across all regions, with North America and Europe expected to maintain a significant market share due to higher technology adoption rates and strong awareness of decentralized technologies. However, rapid adoption in Asia-Pacific and other developing regions is anticipated, potentially leading to a more balanced global distribution in the coming years. The success of the DSM market hinges on overcoming technical and adoption challenges. This includes improving the overall user experience, enhancing interoperability between different platforms, and addressing scalability limitations to support a larger user base. Furthermore, education and awareness campaigns are crucial to attract both individual users and businesses, highlighting the benefits of decentralized social media in terms of privacy, control, and community governance. As the technology matures and the user base expands, the DSM market's growth trajectory is expected to remain strong, potentially transforming the social media landscape as we know it. The integration of innovative features such as decentralized identity solutions and improved content moderation mechanisms will further contribute to the growth and mainstream adoption of these platforms.

French parents did not trust the Government nor companies managing social networks to protect theirs or their childrens' online privacy. Online privacy was considered as a serious issue by the majority of French parents in 2019, given that ** percent of them said that they did not trust companies managing social networks protecting their children's online life. Only *** percent of the respondents stated that they absolutely trusted these companies.

The goal of this study was to measure the attitudes towards data sharing and data-collecting organizations before and after the introduction of the EU General Data Protection regulations (GDPR) among people in Germany. The data come from a three-wave split-panel web survey among people 18 years and older in Germany who were recruited from a German nonprobability online panel. In April 2018 (before the GDPR came into effect), 2,095 participants completed the Wave 1 questionnaire on device ownership, social media use, trust in different data collecting organizations, willingness to share data, general trust, awareness of and knowledge about the GDPR, and privacy concerns. In July and in October 2018 (after the GDPR came into effect), respondents from the earlier waves were invited to participate in a second and a third web survey that repeated most of the questions from the first wave. In addition to participants from the earlier waves, fresh respondents were also invited to Waves 2 and 3. A total of 2,046 (Wave 2) and 2,117 (Wave 3) respondents completed the questionnaire in the subsequent waves. 1,269 participated in all three waves.

Topics:

Wave 1

Possession of smartphone, mobile phone, PC, tablet and/or e-book reader; social media use: account with user name and password at selected providers (Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing); trust in institutions (Google, Facebook, Bundesamt für Statistik, Universitätsforscher) with regard to the protection of personal data and reasons for this assessment; probability scale with regard to the protection of personal data at the above-mentioned institutions and reasons for this assessment; agreement with the import of personal data of the social insurance institutions to the survey data; general personal trust; awareness of the EU General Data Protection regulations (GDPR) ; knowledge test: goals of the GDPR (open); feeling of invaded privacy by the following institutions: Google, Facebook, government agencies, university researchers; general privacy concerns.

Wave 2

Possession of smartphone, mobile phone, PC, tablet and/or e-book reader; social media use: account with user name and password with selected providers (Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing); trust in institutions (Google, Facebook, Federal Statistical Office, university researchers) with regard to the protection of personal data; general personal trust; awareness of the EU General Data Protection regulations (GDPR); knowledge test: goals of the GDPR (open); consent to the storage of various personal data by Facebook or Google (name, e-mail address, home address, date of birth, telephone number, income, marital status, number of children, current location, Internet browser history, account names from other social media and data received from third parties); feeling of invasion of privacy by the following institutions: Google, Facebook, government agencies, university researchers; general privacy concerns.

Wave 3

Possession of smartphone, mobile phone, PC, tablet and/or e-book reader; social media use: account with user name and password at selected providers (Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing); trust in institutions (Google, Facebook, Federal Statistical Office, university researchers) with regard to the protection of personal data; general personal trust; awareness of the EU General Data Protection regulations (GDPR); knowledge test: goals of the GDPR (open); concerns about privacy in general; comprehensibility of excerpts of the contents of the EU General Data Protection regulations (GDPR) (resp. on passenger rights in the event of denied boarding and flight delays); estimated popularity of smartphones (proportion of smartphone owners per 100 adult Germans); repetition of the question on trust data collecting organisations (Google, Facebook) with regard to the protection of personal data and general personal trust; readiness for data exchange by Google (or Facebook or the Federal Statistical Office) for research purposes (or for commercial purposes).

Demography: sex; age (year of birth); federal state; school education; professional qualification.

Additionally coded was: running number; respondent ID; experimental groups GDPR Info; duration (reaction time in seconds); used device type to complete the questionnaire.

The questionnaire also included two experiments, one on the effect of GDPR-related information on trust in data collecting organisations and one on the comfort of data shar...