Technology Policy Issues

Americans believe that the National Security Agency may have gone too far in spying on U.S. allies. They also think that the NSA has intruded on personal privacy in scooping up massive amounts of phone calls and emails, but don't expect to see citizens taking to the streets.

Statement of Aaron Smith, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Center’s Internet Project, before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, on "Broadband Adoption: The Next Mile."

Aaron Smith, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Center’s Internet Project, gave testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet.

Up from 25% last year, more than half of those in households earning $75,000 or more now have tablets. Up from 19% last year, 38% of those in upper-income households now have e-readers.

Aaron Smith discusses the Project’s latest research about internet usage, broadband adoption, and the impact of mobile connectivity among lower-income populations.

A breakdown of how internet users go online, including those with home access and the type of access, is shown in this table.

As of May 2013, 15% of American adults ages 18 and older do not use the internet or email. An additional 9% of adults use the internet but lack home access.

15% of American adults do not use the internet at all, and another 9% of adults use the internet but not at home.

A new survey by the Pew Research Center's Internet Project finds that 86% of internet users have taken steps online to remove or mask their digital footprints. We ask readers to share their own strategies and experiences.

86% of online adults have taken steps to avoid surveillance by other people or organizations when using the internet. Despite precautions, 21% have had an email or social media account hijacked and 11% have had vital information stolen.