Marketplace Tech Trust in government data practices is rapidly deteriorating
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Apr 9, 2026 Elizabeth Laird, director of equity and civic technology at the Center for Democracy & Technology, researches government tech and public trust. She discusses a new survey showing widespread worry about federal data collection. She describes feelings of helplessness, which data uses fuel the most concern, and how fear is driving people away from public benefits.
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Widespread Concern About Federal Data Holdings
- Three in four Americans are concerned about the personal data the federal government holds.
- Concern is consistent across political affiliation, race, gender, and geography, indicating broad public anxiety.
Breach Fatigue Hasn't Reduced Concern
- Researchers expected resignation but found persistent high concern rather than acceptance of routine breaches.
- Frequent breach notifications haven't normalized worry; people remain worried and vigilant about government data use.
Public Feels Helpless Over Data Control
- Many people feel helpless that there's nothing they can do about government data collection.
- Survey respondents largely agreed with the statement that the government has lots of data and individuals can't do anything about it.