Americans know their data is being collected everywhere, and WhistleOut’s 2026 Data Privacy Report paints a clearer picture of how worried they are, where they feel most exposed, and why weak habits leave them open to exposure.
That worry extends well beyond smartphones, consumers are aware that the modern home has become a privacy minefield. According to the survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, WhistleOut found:
- 92% are concerned about data collection on mobile devices
- 93% worry about privacy when using web browsers
- 83% are uneasy about smart-home devices
- 81% are concerned about smart TVs.
With your data being collected, tracked, and traded across nearly every device you use, the March 17, 2026, report found that many still are not taking the basic steps needed to protect it. The study found that many users are still skipping basic privacy steps:
- 41% never read privacy policies
- 40% have never reviewed phone privacy settings
- 23% do not check app permissions
- Only about 20% always read terms before downloading apps
At the same time, 63% of users have made in-app purchases, meaning sensitive financial data is being shared, often without a full understanding of how it is handled. This is where the real risk starts to build. Poor security habits are giving scammers and hackers an easy entry point, as threats get more sophisticated.
WhistleOut says 52% of people reuse passwords across multiple important accounts, 21% do not regularly update their phone’s operating system, 63% do not have robocall blocking software, and 29% use no antivirus or antimalware protection at all. Additionally, confidence is also low, as the study found that only 23% feel “very confident” in their ability to stay safe online, and 1 in 3 are unsure how to protect themselves.
Massive Data Breaches and Scams Are Already Hitting Consumers
The bigger warning is what happens when those habits collide with today’s breach-heavy internet. WhistleOut says 31% of people report having experienced a data breach, 1 in 6 breaches in 2025 involved AI-driven phishing or deepfake impersonation, and more than 4,100 publicly disclosed breaches happened last year.
Those aren’t just theoretical risks, with recent reports highlighting just how widespread the problem has become.
A massive leak exposed roughly 6.8 billion email accounts and passwords, while another breach revealed more than 184 million login credentials tied to major platforms like Apple, Google, and Meta. More recently, scammers have begun targeting YouTube TV subscribers with phishing emails designed to steal payment details by mimicking account issues.
Taken together, these incidents show how quickly exposed data can turn into real-world scams.
Your Data Is Being Collected, Sold, and Exploited — How to Protect Yourself in 2026
Your personal information is not just sitting in one place. It can be leaked in a breach, scraped from data-broker websites, stolen through phishing, or quietly collected through apps, browsers, and devices you use every day.
WhistleOut also flags a growing concern around AI-driven pricing models, where companies could potentially use your browsing habits, location, and personal data to influence the prices you see online.
Not everything is doom mode. WhistleOut has a few straightforward and powerful recommendations on how to protect yourself online:
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account and password managers
- Turn on two-factor authentication
- Review and revoke unnecessary app permissions
- Disable location tracking when not needed
- Delete unused apps and accounts
- Keep your devices and software updated
- Limit cookies and tracking where possible
- Enable robocall blocking tools
- Use a VPN
For those who need comprehensive protection, there are tools designed for heavy lifting.
NordProtect is currently offering deep discounts of up to 78% and includes features like dark web monitoring, credit tracking, identity theft recovery support, and up to $1 million in coverage depending on the plan. It is designed to actively monitor your digital footprint and alert you before small issues turn into major problems.
DeleteMe takes a different approach by removing your personal information from hundreds of data broker websites. Instead of letting your data float around online, it works to erase it from people-search databases and shady data marketplaces, with ongoing monitoring and regular privacy reports. For a limited time, DeleteMe is offering 20% off for new subscribers when you use the promo code PARTNER20.
WhistleOut’s 2026 report makes it clear that Americans understand the risks, but too many are still leaving doors open. This year, privacy isn’t about layers of protection and not a single fix. With massive breaches, phishing scams, and data leaks accelerating, waiting until your information is exposed is no longer an option.
Credit: WhistleOut