As generative AI usage becomes more
widespread, two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about AI
systems collecting their data
WATERLOO, ON, Oct. 3, 2024
/CNW/ -- OpenText™ (NASDAQ: OTEX), (TSX: OTEX) today released
the results of Webroot's 2024 GenAI Consumer Trends and Privacy
Report. The survey of over 1,000 U.S. consumers found that 39% of
consumers use generative AI at least weekly, but significant
privacy concerns persist, especially among parents. Additionally,
while consumers have taken steps to protect their personal
information, only 27% use privacy tools and settings to protect
workplace information when using generative AI.
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into
our daily lives, it's crucial for consumers to stay informed about
its implications for privacy and data security. According to
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),
consumers are becoming a main target for AI fraud and recently
announced five new cases of AI deception aimed at targeting
consumer services. With AI systems often processing vast amounts of
personal information, individuals must recognize the potential
risks of data misuse and surveillance. Consumers can better protect
their sensitive information from unauthorized access and
exploitation through active management of their device privacy
settings and installing comprehensive device, privacy and identity
protection software such as Webroot Premium.
"The accessibility of generative AI has transformed how
people engage with new technology in their personal and work
lives," said Muhi Majzoub, executive vice president and chief
product officer, OpenText. "These findings show that as personal
and family AI use increases, it's essential to have straightforward
privacy and security solutions and transparent data collection
practices so everyone can use generative AI safely."
Findings from the survey include:
More consumers rely on generative AI as widespread use
grows, but privacy concerns remain.
- Generative AI usage is common, with 39% of respondents
using AI at least weekly, and almost half (46%) are using it
regularly. Text generation tools like ChatGPT dominate, with 62%
ranking them as the most frequently used AI tool.
- Generative AI use varies by age. Only 22% of respondents
aged 20-30 and 25% of those aged 31-40 have never used generative
AI, compared to 41% of respondents aged 41-50.
- AI usage is expected to grow: Over half (56%) expect to
increase AI usage in the next year, while nearly two-thirds (63%)
expect growth in five years. Yet, 20% of respondents aged 41 to 50
years old don't use generative AI tools and never will.
- However, concerns about AI's impact on privacy are
significant: 90% of respondents are concerned or neutral about AI
systems collecting their data, with two-thirds expressing
concern.
Privacy tools and settings to protect data collection
from generative AI systems are used more in personal life than in
the workplace.
- When asked if they have taken steps or used privacy tools
and settings to protect personal information when using generative
AI, 43% of respondents reported using privacy tools and settings,
32% are considering it, 16% do not know how to protect their
information, and 9% do not and are not concerned.
- Privacy tools and settings are underutilized at work:
Only 27% of employed respondents use privacy tools and settings to
protect workplace information when using generative AI.
- For those who do use privacy tools and settings in the
workplace, the most popular tools include password managers (64%),
antivirus software (63%), VPNs (62%), ad blockers (61%), and
identity theft protection (57%).
- Personal protection is higher: 76% use strong, unique
passwords, 69% regularly update software, and 64% use two-factor
authentication to safeguard their data.
Parents are worried about their children's AI use. Over
three-quarters of parents (77%) are concerned about their
children's privacy when using generative AI tools.
- About half (49%) of parents are very concerned, and only
8% are not concerned.
- A majority of parents (52%) monitor their children's
activity when using AI, while others rely on parental controls
(50%) or educate their children on privacy (45%).
- Generative AI has quickly become a concern for most
parents, even surpassing video game use for some. When generative
AI systems are compared to video games for collecting and using
their children's personal data, 85% of parents are more concerned
about generative AI or equally concerned about generative AI than
video games.
To learn more about the findings of OpenText's 2024 Gen AI
Consumer Trends and Privacy Report, view
the blog. To learn more about
protecting your online identity, visit Webroot's site
here.
Survey Methodology
Webroot polled
1,014 consumers in the U.S. Of those surveyed, 30% are aged 20 to
30 years old, 35% are 31 to 40 years old, and 35% are 41 to 50
years old; 51% identify as female and 48% identify as male; 53%
have children and 47% do not have children. Respondents come from
diverse job roles: 8% are business owners or founders, 6% are in
C-level positions, 4% are directors or VPs, 19% are managers or
team leaders, 29% are individual contributors, and 34% are not
employed. Of those who are owners or founders, 88% own a small
business.
About OpenText
Cybersecurity
OpenText Cybersecurity provides
comprehensive security solutions for companies and partners of all
sizes. OpenText Cybersecurity provides comprehensive
security solutions for companies and partners of all sizes. From
prevention, detection and response to recovery, investigation and
compliance, our unified/end-to-end platform helps customers build
cyber resilience via a holistic security portfolio. Powered by
actionable insights from our real-time and contextual threat
intelligence, OpenText Cybersecurity customers benefit from high
efficacy products, a compliant experience and simplified security
to help manage business risk.
About OpenText
OpenText™ is the
leading Information Management software and services company in the
world. We help organizations solve complex global problems
with a comprehensive suite of Business Clouds, Business AI, and
Business Technology. For more information about OpenText
(NASDAQ/TSX: OTEX), please visit us at
www.opentext.com.
Connect with us:
OpenText CEO Mark
Barrenechea's
blog
Twitter | LinkedIn
Certain statements in this press release may contain words
considered forward-looking statements or information under
applicable securities laws. These statements are based on
OpenText's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and
projections about the operating environment, economies, and markets
in which the company operates. These statements are subject to
important assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult
to predict, and the actual outcome may be materially different.
OpenText's assumptions, although considered reasonable by the
company at the date of this press release, may prove to be
inaccurate and consequently its actual results could differ
materially from the expectations set out herein. For additional
information with respect to risks and other factors which could
occur, see OpenText's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-Q and other securities filings with the SEC and other
securities regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only
as of the date made. Unless otherwise required by applicable
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update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise. Further,
readers should note that we may announce information using our
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calls, webcasts and the social media channels identified on the
Investors section of our website (https://investors.opentext.com).
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blog, Twitter account or LinkedIn account. The information posted
through such channels may be material. Accordingly, readers should
monitor such channels in addition to our other forms of
communication.
Copyright © 2024 OpenText. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks owned
by OpenText. One or more patents may cover this product(s). For
more information, please
visit https://www.opentext.com/patents.
OTEX-G
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SOURCE Open Text Corporation
