Online privacy statistics for 2026 paint a clear picture: most people are worried, but few feel in control or understand the rules. Pew Research Center found 81% of Americans say they have little control over data collected about them, while 67% know little or nothing about privacy laws. KPMG research shows 86% consider data privacy a growing concern. For a practical first step, see our guide on how to opt out of data brokers.
These numbers matter because they show a mismatch between concern and action. Most people worry about privacy, but fewer know what to do next. A practical starting point is a data broker opt-out guide. Another is comparing data removal services to automate takedowns from people search sites.
The low awareness of privacy laws is striking. CCPA and FTC provide useful protections, but they only help if people know how to exercise them. The gap helps data brokers operate with little friction, which is why removing yourself from the internet has become a common first step. Our complete data broker guide explains the business model behind these sites.
Online Privacy Statistics 2026: The Core Numbers
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 81% | of Americans say they feel they have little control over data collected about them | Pew Research Center, 2023 |
| 67% | of Americans know little or nothing about data privacy laws | Pew Research Center, 2023 |
| 86% | of consumers say data privacy is a growing concern for them | KPMG, 2021 |
| 68% | of Americans are concerned about the level of data collected about them | KPMG, 2021 |
The Control Gap Is the Defining Finding
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 81% | Most Americans feel they have little control over data collected about them. This drives demand for opt-out tools and stricter rules. | Pew Research Center, 2023 |
Knowledge of Privacy Laws Remains Low
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 67% | Most Americans know little or nothing about data privacy laws. This knowledge gap makes enforcement less effective and leaves people unsure how to exercise rights. | Pew Research Center, 2023 |
Rising Concern and VPN Adoption
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 86% | Consumers say data privacy is a growing concern for them, according to KPMG’s corporate data responsibility research. | KPMG, 2021 |
| 68% | Americans are concerned about the level of data collected about them, per the same KPMG research. | KPMG, 2021 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Americans feel they have little control over their online data?
Pew Research Center found that 81% of Americans feel they have little control over data collected about them. This figure has remained high as data collection grows across websites and apps.
How many Americans understand data privacy laws?
According to Pew Research Center, 67% of Americans know little or nothing about data privacy laws. That means most people cannot easily name rights under laws like CCPA or GDPR.
Are consumers more concerned about online privacy now than before?
Yes. KPMG’s corporate data responsibility research found that 86% of consumers consider data privacy a growing concern, and 68% are concerned about the level of data collected about them. The trend shows privacy anxiety is not fading.
Has VPN adoption increased because of privacy concerns?
VPN adoption has grown steadily as privacy concerns rise, with more people using VPNs to hide browsing activity from internet providers and trackers. Privacy is consistently among the top reasons cited for VPN use.
What can I do if I feel I have no control over my data?
Start by opting out of data broker sites that sell your personal information. Our guide on how to opt out of data brokers walks through the steps. You can also use a data removal service to automate ongoing removals.
Where can I learn more about my privacy rights?
The FTC offers consumer privacy guidance for US residents. If you live in California, the CCPA portal explains rights to access, delete, and opt out of data sales.
