Online Privacy Alert: 93% of Older Adults Unsure How to Stay Safe

Protecting your online privacy can feel overwhelming, and you are far from alone. A new Senior Planet from AARP survey, released October 1, found that 93% of older adults are uncertain about how to protect their personal information online. About 70% lack confidence about what is safe to share with AI tools.

Why Online Privacy Matters to You

Your phone, email and bank accounts hold details that scammers and data collectors want. Names, birthdates, addresses and health information can all be misused.

Older adults are frequent targets of fraud. When you are unsure which information is safe to share, it is easier to make a costly mistake.

The good news is that interest in learning is high. Nearly half of those surveyed said they want digital skills training on this topic.

Key Facts & Context

The research highlights a gap between how much we use technology and how safe we feel using it:

• 93% are unsure how to protect their personal information.
• 70% do not know what is safe to share with AI tools.
• Nearly half are interested in skills training.

Tom Kamber, executive director of Senior Planet, said that keeping your information safe has long been a challenge and “AI is raising the stakes.”

Senior Planet has launched free privacy resources at seniorplanet.org/privacy. They include a checklist of four privacy do’s and don’ts, a privacy personality quiz and a quiz on what not to share with AI. There are also free classes and videos on privacy settings, scams, financial and health information, and smartphone and account security.

Privacy is not only about hackers. It also covers what apps collect, what websites track and what you choose to post. Each small choice adds up to a picture of who you are, where you live and what you own.

That is why practical skills matter more than fear. Knowing a few basics lets you enjoy video calls, online banking and telehealth with greater confidence.

What This Means for You

Better online privacy does not require technical expertise. Start with small, repeatable habits.

Action 1: Use the Free Senior Planet Tools

Visit seniorplanet.org/privacy and take the quizzes. They take only a few minutes and show you where your habits are strong or weak. Consider signing up for a class if you prefer learning with others.

Action 2: Pause Before Sharing With AI

Treat an AI chatbot like a public conversation. Avoid typing in Social Security numbers, bank details, passwords or medical records. If you are unsure, leave it out.

Action 3: Lock Down Your Accounts

Use a different strong password for each important account and turn on two-step verification when it is offered. Review the privacy settings on your phone and social media at least twice a year.

Action 4: Get Trusted Guidance

If you want deeper help, a technology and cybersecurity company such as Principium Technology offers consulting and information for individuals as well as enterprises. Our guide to the mRNA skin cancer vaccine shows why checking sources matters, too.

Looking Forward

As AI tools spread, privacy questions will only grow. Make a habit of reviewing your settings each season, and share what you learn with friends and family. Explore more in our Technology & Digital Safety hub.

Source: AARP press release, Oct. 1, 2026.