MORE Filipinos are now aware of data privacy as social-media channels and television provide avenues for disseminating related information, according to a survey commissioned by the National Privacy Commission (NPC).
The nationwide survey, conducted by the Philippine Survey and Research Center (PSRC), revealed that public awareness and knowledge on the Data Privacy Act (DPA) increased to 25 percent in 2021 from 13 percent in 2017.
“Awareness and knowledge on data privacy becomes more significant in 2021 as more information are willingly shared online,” the report noted.
Unfortunately, NPC noted that most of the respondents with internet access still lack awareness on internet security, as only 9 percent of them know how to appropriately use social media.
Data privacy awareness is the highest in respondents who have internet ownership or access to the internet. It is concentrated in the National Capital Region, Luzon and urban areas.
NPC noted that the awareness of the DPA is related to the perception of respondents towards the relevance of data privacy.
“The survey found that individuals who consider the DPA relevant are aware of data privacy and can effectively articulate how it protects one’s information. Conversely, those who find the DPA irrelevant lack data privacy awareness,” the privacy watchdog said.
With this, NPC stressed the need to continue educating the public about data privacy, especially at the grassroots level.
“The [NPC] recognizes the importance of continuously promoting data privacy awareness, most especially in locations such as rural areas and those in the lower economic classes,” Privacy Commissioner John Henry D. Naga said.
He stressed the importance of empowering the data subjects so they can be less vulnerable to data privacy abuses.
“Heightened awareness and familiarity with data privacy concepts and the DPA is essential in improving public satisfaction, trust, and engagement with the NPC,” Naga added. PSRC conducted the survey from October to November 2021. Respondents are males and females aged 18 years old and above coming from various economic classes.
The survey measured public awareness, practices and perception of data protection and privacy issues. The results are intended in aiding the NPC in crafting evidence-based policies, programs and projects.