Border or Cyber Security? Americans Say Ensuring Computers are Protected and Privacy Respected is More Important than U.S. Border Security, According to State of the Net Survey

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are more concerned about protecting their computers and privacy than what may cross U.S. borders, according to a new survey released in conjunction with the annual State of the Net conference hosted by the Internet Education Foundation.

Sixty-three percent said "making sure our computers are protected and privacy respected" is the more urgent problem to solve now, according to the Vrge Analytics survey. Twenty-nine percent said border security is more important.

The survey of 897 Americans was conducted in advance of the State of the Net conference that brings together government and private sector experts to discuss the pressing technology issues facing the Internet. It comes after a year of turbulence that has shaken Americans' trust in digital platforms. According to the survey, 45 percent of Americans say it's unlikely that digital platforms can regain their trust. Only 24 percent said it was likely.

And Americans are concerned how technologies such as artificial intelligence and robots will affect their future. Only 1 in 5 Americans believe these technologies will create more jobs than they eliminate. Nearly half (47 percent) believe these innovations will eliminate more jobs than they create.

"The survey results underscore that we are in a time of transition and Americans are focused on what a digital age means for them," said Tim Lordan, Executive Director of the Internet Education Foundation. "That is why it's so important that technology and government leaders come together to create the best path forward for Americans and their jobs, privacy and digital security."

The Vrge Analytics survey of 897 Americans was conducted between January 15-16, 2019. Other findings from the survey include:

• While a 4-year college degree used to be considered the ticket to a solid career, Americans now question its importance. Two in five Americans (39 percent) said the degree is not as important to future success as it used to be. Interestingly, those under the age of 30 were most likely to see it as valuable. Fifty-one percent of ages 18-29 said it remained as important.
• Americans look most to corporations and educational institutions to lead the nation through the ongoing transition to a more digital workforce. Twenty-eight percent said it's up to corporations and other businesses, while 23 percent said it's up to colleges and other training centers.
• While younger Americans are often perceived as not sympathetic to artists' rights, those aged 18-29 are the most likely to say that it's unfair that terrestrial radio doesn't pay artists when their music is played on traditional AM/FM radio stations. Of that age group, 54 percent said it's unfair that artists aren't paid, compared to only 33 percent of those aged 30 and over.

About the Internet Education Foundation

The Internet Education Foundation (IEF) is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. IEF takes no positions on legislation or regulation. Rather, it's a neutral platform where thought leaders debate important technology issues that shape legislative and administration policy in an open forum. We vigilantly adhere to our mission to curate balanced and dynamic debates among Internet stakeholders. Our volunteer board members ensure that we dutifully execute that mission. More information on the IEF is available at www.neted.org.

About Vrge Strategies 

Based in Washington, DC, San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, Vrge helps startups and established companies – disruptors and the disrupted – navigate this uncharted territory by positioning them, identifying the audiences that matter most, and creating advocacy campaigns to advance their goals – whether they be legislative, regulatory, societal or business-to-business. For more information, go to www.vrge.us.

CONTACT: Maria Buczkowski, [email protected], 248-703-6648

SOURCE Vrge Strategies; Internet Education Foundation