Privacy apathy in later life? Online surveillance perception and privacy protection among older internet users
Recent Publication
Little research has been conducted into how older people think about digital surveillance and how they protect their data online. Researchers from several countries, led by Assistant Professor Dr Vera Gallistl BA MA from KL, have therefore conducted a large international online survey with over 3,000 internet users aged 60 and over. The results show that many older people are not even aware that companies are monitoring their online behaviour - almost half stated that they were not aware of such monitoring. At the same time, it was found that those who are aware that data is being collected are significantly more likely to take protective measures, regardless of whether this monitoring is viewed positively or negatively. Instead of passivity, there is a diverse and active behaviour, which is, however, heavily dependent on education and access to digital resources.
Gallistl, V., Fernández-Ardèvol, M., Suárez-Gonzalo, S., & Peine, A. (2025). Privacy apathy in later life? Online surveillance perception and privacy protection among older internet users. Journal of Global Ageing. https://doi.org/10.1332/29767202Y2025D000000040
Ass.-Prof. Dr. Vera Gallistl-Kassing BA MA
Assistant Professor
Department of Gerontology and Health Research