The Perils and Opportunities of Growing Mobile Privacy & Security Concerns

41% of mobile users are “reluctant sharers” of their personal data

Globally, 47% of consumers would pay extra for a privacy-friendly app

21% of mobile users currently take no action to secure their device

Global mobile trade body Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) today unveiled the results of its Global Consumer Trust Report in association with AVG Technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The third annual report studies the attitudes and behaviours relating to privacy and security of over 5000 mobile media users in Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, South Africa, UK and USA.

The MEF report reveals that over a third (36 per cent) of consumers are put off downloading and using more mobile apps and services due to privacy and security concerns. This means for the fourth consecutive year trust remains the biggest barrier to growth across the mobile ecosystem; with more than 52 per cent of respondents in the eight countries studied deleting apps that worried them, over a third (38 per cent) stopping using them altogether and a fifth (21 per cent) leaving negative reviews or warning friends.

In addition, fewer mobile users are comfortable with the idea of sharing personal information with app and mobile service providers. In 2013, 21 per cent of those studied said they were always happy to share personal data with an app. By 2015, this has fallen to just 6 per cent. Whereas the number of ‘reluctant sharers’ who do not wish to share personal information but know they must if they want to use the app leapt to 41 per cent from 33 per cent last year.

Significantly, almost half (47 per cent) said they would pay extra for apps which guaranteed the data collected would not be shared with third parties, with more than one in six (17 per cent) willing to pay a premium of more than 10% to ensure their data is protected.

When it comes to device security, 23 per cent of mobile users who secure their device now use more than one method of protection, with biometrics increasing from 7 per cent to 11 per cent year on year. However, 21 per cent of the study’s respondents still take no action to secure their device, suggesting consumer awareness still has some way to go.

MEF CEO Rimma Perelmuter commented “MEF’s 4^th Global Consumer Trust Report highlights the significant consequences of consumers’ growing concerns around data privacy and security on the mobile ecosystem. Behavioural trends among consumers such as deleting apps or ceasing to use apps already downloaded are clear indicators that the industry has to do more to build a sustained and trusted relationship with consumers.

With 41% of mobile users identified as “reluctant sharers” of their personal data, the MEF Report is a wake-up call to the mobile industry to collaborate and do more to instil transparency and consumer trust in mobile services. This is why we continue to champion industry best practice via our Global Consumer Trust Initiative and why such a broad cross-section of the mobile industry are taking an active role.

Concurrently, the MEF Report identifies a clear opportunity for businesses that put trust at the heart of their business with 47% willing to pay extra for privacy-friendly apps. This is just one example of how the mobile industry can look to cater to the trust-conscious consumer by establishing exciting new business models and services that recognise mobile users with different needs.”

“We must cooperate as an industry to go beyond simply being ‘good enough’ at protecting our customers,” said Harvey Anderson, Chief Legal Officer for AVG Technologies. “Transparency and education need to go hand-in-hand with an industrywide commitment to establish and hold each other to human-centred principles. People should not have to trade privacy and security to benefit from the wealth of data-enabled services that are available now and on the horizon, and it is up to us to create the right future.”

Global round-up

• Reluctant sharers who share data only because they have no other choice if they want to use the app account for half of US and German mobile users (53% and 47% respectively), a rise of a quarter in the US and a third in Germany.
• Concern around data privacy and security is greatest in China, USA and Germany (39% vs. the 36% total). Chinese consumers have the highest security concerns (19%), whereas Americans are most put off by data-hungry apps (18%).
• In Brazil, consumers currently assign greater sensitivity to their photos than their financial information (28% vs. 11%). In India, contact information (23%) is considered most sensitive.

[su_box title=”About Mobile Ecosystem Forum” style=”noise” box_color=”#336588″]The Mobile Ecosystem Forum is a global trade body that acts as an impartial and authoritative champion for addressing issues affecting the broadening mobile ecosystem.  We provide our members with a global and cross-sector platform for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions.

The goal is to accelerate the growth of a sustainable mobile ecosystem that drives inclusion for all and delivers trusted services that enrich the lives of consumers worldwide.

Established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK, MEF has Chapters across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin and North America.[/su_box]

[su_box title=”About AVG Technologies” style=”noise” box_color=”#336588″]AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people. AVG’s award-winning technology is delivered to over 200 million monthly active users worldwide. AVG’s Consumer portfolio includes internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection for mobile devices and desktops. The AVG Business portfolio – delivered by managed service providers, VARs and resellers – offers IT administration, control and reporting, integrated security, and mobile device management that simplify and protect businesses.[/su_box]