Report: Americans concerned about government management of personal data

StateScoop reports that the majority of Americans seek more control over data sharing across the U.S. government as the federal government continues to demand more personal information from state governments.

Worries over the privacy and security of personal data obtained by U.S. government agencies, particularly their methods of collecting, sharing, and using such information, were raised by 74% of more than 1,000 residents across the U.S., according to a Center for Democracy and Technology report. Almost 80% of those polled said they were in favor of making government organizations responsible for privacy abuses. Fewer than half of respondents stated they were aware of their data rights, despite over 80% of respondents believing that legal protections for personal data are crucial.

"At a time when trust in government is at an all time low, protecting personal data is more important than ever," said CDT Equity in Civic Technology Project Director Elizabeth Laird.