Public Opinion Divided on National Security Data Processing, With 79% Supporting Use for Terrorism Investigations, Reveals Study

Public Opinion Divided on National Security Data Processing, With 79% Supporting Use for Terrorism Investigations, Reveals Study

(IN BRIEF) A new study by the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) at The Alan Turing Institute reveals that 79% of UK adults support national security agencies collecting and processing personal data for investigations into terrorism and serious crime. However, public support for data processing varies depending on the purpose and type of data. The research also highlights significant age and demographic differences in public attitudes and a general lack of awareness about the powers of intelligence agencies. With emerging technologies transforming national security data processing, the study provides crucial insights for policymakers to ensure a balance between security and privacy.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 29-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking new study published by the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) at The Alan Turing Institute, in collaboration with Savanta and Hopkins Van Mil, reveals that 79% of UK adults support national security agencies collecting and processing personal data to investigate terrorism and serious crime. The research, which surveyed over 3,000 UK adults and included a citizens’ panel, is the first of its kind to assess public trust in the use of personal data by UK intelligence agencies.

The study explored public attitudes toward the processing of personal data for various purposes, ranging from investigating individuals suspected of terrorism or serious crime to using data to develop automated tools for predicting future behavior. While support for data processing was generally high, it varied across contexts. For instance, 28% of respondents opposed using personal data to train new automated prediction tools, while 75% expressed support for data processing to detect foreign government spies.

Support also varied for different use cases, with 69% of respondents approving of national security agencies using personal data to investigate crimes they are suspected of, and 52% in favor of using data to inform long-term strategies for national security. However, public backing significantly decreased when data was considered for other uses, such as sharing with commercial organizations (28%) or creating automated behavior prediction tools (42%).

The study also assessed public opinion on processing various types of data, including public social media posts, biometric data, medical records, and private text messages. The results highlighted that, while national security data processing enjoys significant support, a notable proportion of the public remains opposed. In fact, for each dataset tested, more than 20% of UK adults opposed national security data processing, and over 25% opposed police data processing, even for publicly available information.

Support for data processing also varied by age and vulnerability, with younger adults and vulnerable individuals showing lower levels of support compared to older, non-vulnerable groups. For example, only 49% of 18-34-year-olds supported national security agencies processing public posts on social media, compared to 61% of those aged 55 and older.

For the first time, this study compared public views on human versus machine processing of national security data. Both survey responses and insights from a citizens’ panel of 33 participants revealed no strong preference between human and automated data processing, with many panel members expressing support for machine-learning technologies, provided there are sufficient assurances around accuracy, fairness, and human oversight.

The research also uncovered a significant lack of public awareness regarding the powers of intelligence agencies to collect personal data without individuals’ knowledge. Only 15% of respondents were fully aware of the extent of these powers. Many participants expressed surprise and reassurance upon learning about the legal safeguards in place for intelligence data collection, highlighting a need for greater public education on these matters.

As national security data processing evolves in the age of emerging technologies, this research provides critical insights into public priorities and concerns. Policymakers and stakeholders must carefully consider these findings to make informed decisions about automating aspects of national security data processing.

Rosamund Powell, Research Associate at The Alan Turing Institute, said: “This research is the first of its kind to explore public attitudes towards data processing in a national security context. It reveals that there is no single public stance on privacy, and agencies must gain a deeper understanding of public sentiment to ensure that data processing remains proportionate and trusted.”

Sir Brian Leveson, Investigatory Powers Commissioner, commented: “As the UK embraces new technological capabilities to strengthen national security, it is crucial that these tools operate within a robust legal framework that maintains public trust. This research provides valuable insights into public attitudes, which will support balanced dialogue and informed decision-making on national security data processing.”

Rosamund Powell
Research Associate, Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS)

Media Contact:

Alex Krook
Communications Manager, Strategy
akrook@turing.ac.uk
020 3862 3384

SOURCE: Alan Turing Institute