Most Older Adults Unsure How to Protect Their Online Privacy, Senior Planet from AARP Research Finds

WASHINGTON — Most older adults lack confidence in their ability to safeguard their personal information on the internet, according to new research from Senior Planet from AARP. In a recent survey, 93% of older adults expressed uncertainty in protecting their personal information online.

The rapid advancement and integration of artificial intelligence into everyday life is creating new privacy considerations. 70% of older adults surveyed by Senior Planet lack confidence in knowing what information is safe to share with AI tools. Nearly half expressed interest in receiving digital skills training on the topic.

“Keeping your information safe online has long been a challenge for older adults, and now AI is raising the stakes,” said Tom Kamber, executive director of Senior Planet from AARP. “That's why Senior Planet has created a special collection of free resources to help older adults build the skills they need to protect their privacy, recognize potential risks, and feel more confident navigating the digital world.”

To help older adults strengthen their online privacy skills, Senior Planet has launched a dedicated webpage at seniorplanet.org/privacy, bringing together free educational resources and trainings focused on protecting personal information online and using AI safely.

The webpage features three key resources:

• Four Privacy Do's and Don'ts: A practical checklist of steps older adults can take to better protect their personal information online.
• Privacy Personality Quiz: An interactive quiz that helps individuals understand their approach to online privacy and identify strategies that work for them.
• What Not to Share with AI Quiz: A new quiz that helps users identify the types of information they should think twice about sharing with AI tools.

The webpage also features a collection of free online classes, interactive trainings, videos and educational materials covering topics such as managing privacy settings, recognizing scams and AI-generated misinformation, protecting financial and health information, and strengthening smartphone and account security.

To explore these resources and learn more about protecting your privacy online, visit seniorplanet.org/privacy.

About AARP:
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

CONTACT:
Vanessa Camozzi, AARP, vcamozzi@aarp.org