Survey to assess privacy concerns across the globe

By Mallory Knodel Publisher: APCNews     Montreal,

Creative Commons: Michell ZappaCreative Commons: Michell ZappaTokyo-based APC member Japan Computer Access for Empowerment (JCAFE) has launched a global survey on personal data and surveillance. Survey responses may explain how and why awareness of privacy and surveillance vary across countries. Hamada Tadahisa, director of JCAFE and JCA-NET, says, “Privacy and surveillance mean different things in different contexts. We are inquiring into the causes of those differences and their impacts on consciousness of internet rights issues across countries.”

So far the survey has gathered responses from Canada, Colombia, Germany, Japan, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay.

The results of the survey will be used for policy advocacy on internet governance and the information society. The organisers believe that respondents’ reactions to privacy and surveillance can be used to build up a global narrative that highlights the value of freedom of communication and expression.

The survey aims to reach the general public, beyond advocates of internet issues, and encourages all citizens of any country to respond. Responding to the survey takes less than 10 minutes and includes ample opportunity to send comments and feedback, thereby allowing respondents to add their voice to the global discussion.

Take the survey in English
Take the survey in Japanese

Preliminary results will be tabulated on 27 May, but the survey is ongoing. The questions are presented in English and Japanese. Translators of other languages, as well as anyone seeking more information about this survey, can get in touch with JCAFE at: survey@jcafe.net

A message from the survey organisers:
“We don’t collect names or contact information of respondents. Those who would like to receive the result of the survey and information about the future survey can provide their e-mail addresses to survey@jcafe.net, so the e-mail addresses will not be connected with their answers.”



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