Over seven in 10 believe that the government spies on the daily activities and social media of Americans, and many are taking actions to stop it including covering cameras on computers and even cutting ties to social media, according to a broad new poll on privacy.
In a new survey for Security.org, over 70 percent said that Uncle Sam is spying on the social media, Internet browsing and phone calls of Americans. And 31 percent believe that Washington is personally watching their Internet browsing.
While most feel that is bad, sizable groups said that there are exceptions: members of hate groups, families of suspected terrorists, and convicted criminals.
Notably, said the survey found that about a quarter of Democrats and Republicans OK’d government surveillance of political leaders.
Not surprisingly, Americans polled said that they are taking moves to hide their actions from the government. Among their choices:
- 34.8 percent cover their computer webcam.
- 23.5 percent turn off smart devices.
- 14.1 percent do not usual social media websites.
- 12.8 percent use encrypted emails.
As with most everything in American life today, the survey found clear political differences.
In the case of surveillance by the government, for example, Republicans were more supportive of spying on religious groups and immigrants.
Security.org said in its analysis that there are ways to handle concerns of government spying. It said:
