The Privacy and Security Report of the Observatory for Digital Sustainability has been presented
Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2025 5:57 am
On the occasion of World Data Protection Day on January 28, the Observatory of the Foundation for Digital Sustainability presented the Privacy and Security Report . This study, chinese overseas british database which involved a representative sample of Italian citizens of different age groups, levels of education and positions on sustainability, highlights how awareness of the importance of personal data protection is often lower than its real relevance, with significant differences between large urban centers and small municipalities.
“Digital sustainability cannot exist without responsible management of personal data,” underlined Stefano Epifani, President of the Foundation for Digital Sustainability. “Digital platforms, now central to daily activities, are largely based on information generated by users. However, it is crucial that the development of these technologies occurs within a framework of full privacy protection, guaranteeing individuals control over their data and preventing improper use.”
Epifani then added: “In a context in which an increasingly important part of our lives is mediated by digital platforms, it is essential that citizens realize the value of privacy and that institutions take action to guarantee its protection.”
Differences between large centers and small municipalities
The survey shows that one in four Italians (25%) believes it is necessary to rethink the concept of privacy in the digital age . However, in small towns, due to a cultural digital divide, this awareness appears less rooted: only 19% of residents consider it important to redefine the concept of privacy, compared to 30% of residents of large cities.
Citizens who are digital and sensitive to sustainability show greater confidence in change (36% convinced versus 16% skeptical), confirming that digital skills and sensitivity to sustainability favor a positive vision. Those who do not use digital but are attentive to sustainability recognize the potential impact of technologies, although they are more cautious.
“Digital sustainability cannot exist without responsible management of personal data,” underlined Stefano Epifani, President of the Foundation for Digital Sustainability. “Digital platforms, now central to daily activities, are largely based on information generated by users. However, it is crucial that the development of these technologies occurs within a framework of full privacy protection, guaranteeing individuals control over their data and preventing improper use.”
Epifani then added: “In a context in which an increasingly important part of our lives is mediated by digital platforms, it is essential that citizens realize the value of privacy and that institutions take action to guarantee its protection.”
Differences between large centers and small municipalities
The survey shows that one in four Italians (25%) believes it is necessary to rethink the concept of privacy in the digital age . However, in small towns, due to a cultural digital divide, this awareness appears less rooted: only 19% of residents consider it important to redefine the concept of privacy, compared to 30% of residents of large cities.
Citizens who are digital and sensitive to sustainability show greater confidence in change (36% convinced versus 16% skeptical), confirming that digital skills and sensitivity to sustainability favor a positive vision. Those who do not use digital but are attentive to sustainability recognize the potential impact of technologies, although they are more cautious.