Last week, researchers from Berkeley and the University of Pennsylvania released a study on young peoples’ attitudes and knowledge when it comes to their privacy. Their study found many similarities between young and older Americans when it came to sensitivity about online privacy, bucking the conventional wisdom that “kids don’t care” about privacy.
Also interesting: Some American youth incorrectly believe laws protect their privacy online and offline more than it actually does. Researchers suggest
This lack of knowledge in a tempting environment, rather than a cavalier lack of concern regarding privacy, may be an important reason large numbers of them engage with the digital world in a seemingly unconcerned manner.
Their report is timely and will provide interesting fodder for our upcoming panel discussion on children’s privacy online next week in Toronto. Be sure to tune in to the webcast next April 29 and join the conversation on Twitter (#priv2010).