The Pew Internet & American Life Project has published a study of Americans' use of “cloud computing,” in which data and applications are stored online and are accessible via web browsers. The findings include:

  • 69% of online Americans use webmail, store data online, or use web-based software programs.
  • Users report high levels of concern that companies may put their data to uses of which they may not be aware:
    • 90% of respondents said they would be very concerned if the vendor sold their data to another party.
    • 80% said they would be very concerned if companies used their photos or other data in marketing campaigns.
    • 68% said they would be very concerned if companies analyzed their information and then showed them targeted ads.

The survey results are available from http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP_Cloud.Memo.pdf

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