According to an Avira study, almost half of Germans have data protection concerns with regard to messenger apps such as WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s new terms of use are currently causing explosions in terms of data protection. By the beginning of February, users should agree to the new data protection rules of the Facebook subsidiary WhatsApp. After many users complained or switched to the competition, WhatsApp moved the deadline to mid-May at the beginning of the week. A recent survey by Avira confirms how sensitive the topic of data protection is viewed by German smartphone users. According to the study, 45 percent of Germans have data protection concerns when using messenger apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, iMessage and Telegram on their mobile device.
The study commissioned by Avira was carried out in Germany, Great Britain and the USA at the beginning of November 2020 [1]. Avira wanted to find out to what extent users have security and data protection concerns when using messenger and social media apps.
Avid WhatsApp usage despite many concerns
45 percent of those surveyed in Germany expressed data protection and security concerns when using messenger apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage and Telegram on their mobile device. As the usage behavior shows, these services are still very popular: 74 percent of those surveyed use a messenger app on their mobile device every day or more often. In the 18- to 24-year-old age group, it is even 80 percent.
Daily use decreases with age, but it is still quite high: For example, 60 percent of people over 55 still use a messenger app on their smartphone every day or more often. Interestingly, the safety concerns also decrease with age. 52 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 24 expressed their concerns, while only 40 percent of those over 55.
Social media: Younger people are more active and more concerned at the same time
The security and privacy concerns regarding the use of social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat on mobile devices are very similar: although 48 percent of respondents said they had concerns, more than half (52 percent ) daily or more often a social media app on your smartphone. And here, too, the younger ones are more active and concerned at the same time: Among the 18 to 24 year olds, 71 percent use a social media app every day or more, despite the majority of concerns (54 percent). Among 55-year-olds, 31 percent of respondents used these apps every day or more, with only 42 percent expressing concerns.
The special case of the TikTok app – users are less concerned
The Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok is currently enjoying great popularity. According to Bloomberg, there are around 10 million users in Germany alone. Amazingly, according to Avira, security and privacy concerns are lower with TikTok than any other social media app, although the Chinese company’s app is even more controversial in terms of privacy. Only 34 percent of those questioned expressed concerns.
Women are more communicative via smartphones
Women are slightly ahead when it comes to using both messenger and social media apps. 76 percent of the female respondents said they use a messenger app every day or more, whereas the male respondents did so 70 percent. And they’re obviously more active on social media too. Here the difference is even more pronounced with 58 percent versus 45 percent with regard to daily use.
Further information on the Avira study is available under the following link: https://www.avira.com/de/bericht-smartphone-sicherheit
Avira’s goal is to protect people in our connected world and to give everyone control over their digital lives. The portfolio includes many award-winning security and privacy products designed for Windows and Mac computers, Android and iOS smartphones, home networks and intelligent devices (IoT). In addition, all features are available as SDKs and APIs for companies. Together with partners, Avira protects more than 500 million devices worldwide.
Avira is headquartered in Tettnang on Lake Constance and has further branches in Europe, Asia and the USA.
Company contact
Avira Holding GmbH & Co KG
Andre Adler
Kaplaneiweg 1
88069 Tettnang
+49 151 113 422 42
[email protected]
https://www.avira.com
Press contact
Avira Holding GmbH & Co KG
Andre Adler
Kaplaneiweg 1
88069 Tettnang
+49 151 113 422 42
[email protected]
https://www.avira.com
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