Insee Focus · July 2022 · n° 272

82% of Internet users protected their personal data online

In 2021, one out of every two Internet users spotted at least one fake news, a piece of news that he or she considered as fake. Internet users were also confronted with illegal online practices: in 2019, 43% of Internet users received a message inviting them to connect to a fraudulent website.

Internet security is a concern: in 2021, 72% of Internet users said they were concerned about the recording of their online activities for advertising targeting. 82% of users limited the availability of their personal data online. However, the elderly, the most disadvantaged, and those with low digital skills were less protective of their data than others.

Overall, in 2019, 76% of Internet users limited or stopped at least one online activity for security concerns.