Teenagers are more willing to share their personal data with public bodies than with private companies – including their service providers – according to new research.
A report produced on behalf of IT solutions provider Logicalis UK found that 73% of 13-17 year olds surveyed said they were willing or very willing to share their data with government organisations.
The next highest category was their service provider, with which only 61% of “realtimers” willing or very willing to share their data.
The report said: “When it comes to third parties accessing their data, Realtimers are savvy consumers with 77% uncomfortable allowing this.
“Sharing personal data is most valuable to them when it is in exchange for better, more personalised services – up to 72% are willing to do this.
“Interestingly they have the highest level of trust with UK public sector organisations.”
While 57% were willing and 16% very willing to share data with public sector bodies, the figures for service providers were only 53%/8%, brands 49%/8% and social platforms 40%/7%
And, despite the sensitivity of health data,, 64% said they were comfortable with the prospect of their health data being shared amongst the profession for the design of better services.
70% expect self-health monitoring to be the norm in 10 years time, with 68% planning to be using biometrics every day by then.
However, a significant proportion – 21% were “very concerned” about the prospect of data being accessed by non-UK government agencies.
The average “realtimer” already owns five devices and spends 6 hours a day digitally engaged, with 6% already using wearable technology.
ICT and technology was the top choice of career for school pupils (29%), up from fourth position last year, leapfrogging science & research, teaching & education, and healthcare.
However there is still a stark gap between boys (44%) and girls (14%) aspiring to careers in technology, according to the report.