90% Distrust AI with Personal Data, Malwarebytes Survey Reveals
Event summary
- 90% of respondents worry about AI using their data without consent.
- 91% support national laws regulating personal data use by AI.
- 43% have stopped using ChatGPT; 42% have stopped using Gemini.
- 76% now use multi-factor authentication, up from 69% last year.
- Survey conducted among 1,235 global newsletter subscribers in January-February 2026.
The big picture
Malwarebytes' survey highlights a growing rift between AI adoption and privacy concerns, with significant implications for tech companies relying on personal data. The findings suggest a potential regulatory shift as 91% of respondents support national privacy laws, while the cybersecurity firm positions itself as a protector against AI-related risks. This dynamic could reshape the competitive landscape as users increasingly demand transparency and control over their data.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Momentum
- Whether growing public support for national privacy laws will accelerate legislative action.
- AI Adoption Trends
- The pace at which users continue to disengage from AI tools due to privacy concerns.
- Cybersecurity Demand
- How increased privacy awareness will impact adoption of protective measures like VPNs and ad blockers.
Related topics