Escaping the Digital Footprint: Why a Third of Internet Users Want to Disappear

A recent survey conducted by NordVPN and Incogni has revealed a telling shift in attitudes toward online privacy: more than a third of Internet users wish to delete their online presence if given the opportunity. Conducted across 6,800 respondents from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, the survey highlights growing unease with digital exposure. In particular, 35% of respondents expressed a strong desire to erase their online footprint, with concerns ranging from personal privacy to cybersecurity risks.

The survey also noted that a considerable number of users (nearly half) are not interested in learning personal information about others, suggesting a collective fatigue toward the overabundance of personal data online. Additionally, many expressed anxiety about potential data breaches, particularly involving financial information, personal messages, and medical records. Specifically, 76% reported fearing their financial data being leaked, while 58% preferred to delete their personal financial details from the Internet altogether.

This shift marks a significant increase from a similar survey in 2022, where 30% of respondents had the same desire to remove themselves from the Internet. The trend suggests that people are becoming less tolerant of constant exposure and more aware of the implications of their digital footprint. As Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, remarked, the growing trend reflects a move away from passive acceptance of online data permanence toward active management of personal information.

For those looking to protect their digital presence, experts recommend practical steps like being mindful of shared information, adjusting social media privacy settings, using virtual private networks (VPNs), and securing accounts with strong, multi-factor authentication. These steps empower users to take more control over their personal data and can provide some relief from the risks of being constantly online.

For businesses and individuals looking to ensure robust cybersecurity measures, Directpath Global Technologies (DGT) offers Managed Threat Detection (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), and other advanced solutions. Our Artificial Intelligence Division also tailors these services to meet the unique needs of each organization, not just for cybersecurity but for broader operational improvements as well.

As digital privacy concerns grow, this survey underscores a collective awareness that has emerged among internet users worldwide. The sentiment is clear: people are now more intentional than ever about controlling their data. The question of privacy and protection has taken on new urgency, and as technology continues to evolve, individuals and organizations alike are realizing that safeguarding digital identities is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Source: Philstar Global