● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Incogni Study: "Nothing to Hide" Individuals More Likely to Spy on Others' Devices
Key points
- 42% of "nothing to hide" respondents admit to spying on screens in public.
- Gen Z is most likely to snoop on others' screens (49%).
- 41% of the "nothing to hide" group checked a partner's phone without permission.
- 39% of the "nothing to hide" group cover device cameras.
Research on Privacy Attitudes
Data removal service Incogni conducted a survey of 1,517 adult respondents in the US to explore behavioral trends related to device privacy. The study focused on individuals who use the phrase "I have nothing to hide" and their actions regarding digital privacy.
Increased Likelihood of Snooping
The research indicates that 42% of respondents who state they "have nothing to hide" admit to spying on someone else's phone or laptop screen in public. This contrasts with 27% of those who expect privacy. Furthermore, 41% of the "nothing to hide" group looked through a partner's phone without permission, and 35% did the same with a family member's smartphone, compared to 29% and 17% respectively for those who claimed otherwise.
Generational Differences in Snooping
The study also revealed generational differences in snooping behavior. Gen Z was the most likely age group to snoop on another person's screen at 49%, followed by Millennials at 43%. Baby Boomers showed the lowest rate of such behavior at 14%.
Contradictory Privacy Practices
Despite claiming to have "nothing to hide," 39% of this group physically cover their device cameras, a practice most common among Gen Z and Millennials. Additionally, 26% of these respondents obscure personal information when signing up for online accounts, using fake names, dates of birth, and masked email addresses. This suggests a contradiction where individuals who express no personal need for privacy still engage in practices to protect their own data.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
A new study by data removal service Incogni found that individuals who claim to "have nothing to hide" are more prone to secretly observing others' phone or laptop screens in public and looking through partners' or family members' devices without permission. This research highlights a contradiction in privacy attitudes, where those who express no personal need for privacy still engage in privacy-invasive behaviors towards others.