Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read
03 December 2022 | 5:15 pm CAT

An international survey has revealed that Internet users’ trust in the Internet has dropped significantly since 2019. This was one of the critical findings of a 20-country Ipsos survey released by The New Institute in Hamburg, Germany. Only six in ten Internet users across the 20 countries included in the study stated that they trust the Internet.

A similar survey was conducted three years ago, and the comparison shows a decline of 11 percent, currently in the region of 63 percent, a drop from 74 percent.

However, in Japan, there was an increase in the trust in internet rate showing a seven percentage point increase. While in South Africa, confidence fell by nine percentage points.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Ipsos Sub-Sahara Africa Knowledge Director and Public Affairs, Mari Harris said many of the issues surrounding questions about the privacy of text messages and banking on the Internet have not been safe.

“79 percent expressed the worry about safety on the internet.”

Meanwhile, Harris highlighted the significant concerns in the loss of trust.

According to Harris, two-thirds of people say they want more user privacy, and a similar percentage say personal data should be better protected.

On the African continent, the South African results share the same reading as the international average, with a 63 percent decline. In Kenya, the trust still sits at around 70 per cent. However, only 43 per cent of Kenyans state they are happy with online Security resulting in about 40 percentage points less than it was in 2019.

Listen to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Marri Harris on Radio Islam’s podcast.