Just 12% of people in the UK believe their mobile calls and texts remain private, with 35% so concerned that they’re careful what they say when making a private call on a mobile device.
Almost a quarter of people (24%) actively avoid making sensitive calls on a mobile phone in a bid to win back some privacy.
Those are the findings from a study of 1,000 employed people, sponsored by global private communications firm, Silent Circle and conducted via OnePoll.
The study reveals that more than half (54%) of the poll respondents believe ‘anyone with the right equipment’ has the ability to listen in on their mobile calls and texts. With the recent confirmation by Vodafone of secret wires on its network, surprisingly 20% believe it’s OK to listen in on people’s calls. A defiant 61% of respondents would like to see tougher jail sentences for snoopers and eavesdroppers.
Vic Hyder, revenue chief for Silent Circle, said: “What our study confirms is that the wider working population of the UK is aware of the ever-increasing threats to the data we transmit via mobile technology. They know of eavesdropping capabilities, but in many ways are consigned to the abuse – not just from Government but from criminal scavengers and corporate competition.
The ‘groups’ that respondents cited as having the ability to eavesdrop/listen in on calls and texts were – Government (53%); the police (44%); mobile service providers (33%); and criminals (28%). A further 17% pointed the finger at a jealous spouse/partner.
Privacy is increasingly eroded, around the globe. In the UK, having every move recorded by CCTV is just one example of the daily incursions on each and every citizen’s private life. Hyder added: “Privacy is a commodity that is more and more difficult to find. In today’s world of forced exposure, you are the product and your information is the currency.”
Other interesting trends unearthed by the study, particularly when comparing the sexes, were that men are more cynical with 59% pointing the figure at Government, compared with 48% of women. Although females were far more condemnatory, with 82% believing it wrong to listen in on others’ calls and texts, the figure was slightly lower for men, at 77%.
When comparing the ages of respondents, those aged 45+ were ‘believers’ with 77% suggesting anyone with the right equipment could listen in to calls and texts, while 73% of workers aged 55+ want to see perpetrators jailed.
Hyder said: “Everyone feels the need for privacy at some time or another, practically each and every day. Whether it’s closing the door to your office while negotiating contract details or turning your head in the coffee shop while discussing a family matter. Privacy is appreciated by all and all should have a place to go to be private – even in a digital smartphone world with eyes and ears nearly everywhere.”