Millions of people do not know how to delete data from an old device, according to the British privacy regulator ICO based on research it conducted among almost 2,200 Britons. Nearly 30 percent of survey participants do not know how to delete personal information, which equates to around 14 million Britons, the ICO said.
According to the research, the average Briton has three unused devices in their home. A large number do not dispose of the equipment due to concerns about their personal information. 71 percent of survey participants say it is important to delete personal data, but 24 percent think it is too difficult. Many people expect to purchase a new phone or other device at Christmas, says Suzanne Gordon of the ICO.
Gordon recommends performing a factory reset, as this can remove personal information from most phones. The British regulator also has a document online in which it discusses the different options for deleting data.
In short:
| Key Point | Data / Statistic |
|---|---|
| Percentage unaware of data deletion | Nearly 30% (approx. 14 million Britons) |
| Average number of unused devices per Briton | 3 |
| Importance of deleting personal data | 71% find it important |
| Perception of difficulty in deletion | 24% think it’s too difficult |
| Recommended action for data removal | Perform a factory reset |
