Digital Privacy in 2025: Americans Are Fed Up With Online Censorship, AI Surveillance, and Data Exploitation

A new ExpressVPN survey finds that Americans’ tolerance for digital surveillance, censorship, and algorithmic targeting is reaching a breaking point. Amid mounting concerns over the power of tech companies, foreign governments, and AI platforms to monitor and influence online behavior, users are pushing back—demanding greater transparency, control, and protection.

Online censorship sparks widespread concern

From banned content to de-platformed creators, censorship is a growing concern for U.S. internet users. An overwhelming 92% of Americans say they’re concerned about online censorship, with more than a third (35%) describing themselves as “very concerned.”

These concerns are global in scope. Many Americans fear the influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly in countries like China, where censorship and surveillance are tightly woven into the digital landscape. For example, 47% of Americans support the U.S. government’s temporary ban of the Chinese-owned platform TikTok, citing fears over foreign influence and surveillance.

Surveillance is driving privacy tool adoption

The rise in state-backed surveillance—especially by foreign governments—is reshaping how Americans think about online privacy. The survey found that 53% of Americans say news coverage of foreign surveillance prompted them to use privacy tools like VPNs, in an effort to reclaim some digital autonomy.

App usage is also being impacted. Nearly half (46%) say they are “very concerned” about using apps from companies based in high-surveillance countries, and 53% would immediately stop using an app if they learned it was being monitored by a foreign government. An additional 38% say their decision would depend on the extent of the monitoring and how vital the app is to them.

AI raises new privacy red flags

The rise of AI is deepening fears around how personal data is being collected, used, and potentially misused. According to the survey, 69% of Americans are aware that social media platforms are using their data to train AI models, and a staggering 91% are concerned about this practice. One in three (34%) have already stopped using certain social media platforms because of these concerns.

Americans aren’t just concerned—they want answers. 65% believe social platforms should be required to disclose how they use user data for AI, and 81% say AI-based data harvesting compromises their online security, including 40% who believe it significantly compromises it.

Americans are changing their online behavior

Faced with growing discomfort, many Americans are adjusting their internet usage habits. A significant 82% admit to sharing personal data (like email addresses or age) to access free services such as public Wi-Fi or free apps—but most do so cautiously. Only 16% say they do this frequently without much thought.

More users are reading the fine print, too: 66% say they now sometimes or always read a platform’s privacy policy before sharing personal information. This suggests a growing awareness of how personal data is handled—and a desire to take back control.

When it comes to sharing data for perks like online shopping discounts, only 34% say they’d share their browsing history in exchange for savings—while a full third say they never would, regardless of the benefit.

As for the types of personal data Americans are most reluctant to share? Phone numbers top the list, followed closely by email addresses, birth dates, and location data (such as zip codes).

Americans are willing to pay for privacy

Interestingly, the desire for stronger privacy protections isn’t just rhetorical—many Americans are willing to invest in platforms that put privacy first. 21% say they’d pay for a social media platform that doesn’t use their data to train AI models, and another 50% say they’d consider it, depending on the features and pricing.

The bottom line

Americans are sending a clear message: Privacy matters. As AI evolves, censorship expands, and surveillance tools become more sophisticated, the pressure is on platforms, policymakers, and advertisers to earn back user trust and offer greater transparency and control.