New Polling on Mass Surveillance and Privacy Protections Demand Progress Education Fund and FreedomWorks released new polling results conducted by YouGov, capturing American perspectives on government surveillance and privacy protections as the mass surveillance debate nears final stages in Congress. --- Key Takeaways from Polling Strong Public Support for Expanding Privacy Protections 78% of Americans support strengthening privacy protections against warrantless government surveillance of communications, location data, and internet activity. Only 9% opposed. Warrants for Searches of Communications Involving People Abroad 76% believe government agencies should be required to obtain warrants before intentionally searching international communications that involve U.S. persons. 12% disagreed. Warrants Required Before Purchasing Data From Data Brokers 80% support a law requiring government agencies to get warrants before purchasing sensitive data (location, internet records, etc.) from data brokers. 10% opposed. Opposition to Exclusive Privacy Protections for Members of Congress A majority oppose provisions that would strengthen privacy protections only for members of Congress, without extending similar protections to all Americans. Responses: Yes (support exclusive protections): 41% No: 45% Concern About Surveillance Abuses Across Political Spectrum Majorities express concern over unlawful surveillance of activists from both the left (e.g., George Floyd protesters) and right (e.g., January 6 suspects). Support for warrant requirements increases knowing these abuses occurred: Support if agencies surveilled George Floyd protesters without a warrant: 54% more likely to support protections Support if agencies surveilled January 6 suspects unlawfully: 54% more likely to support protections --- Additional Information Full polling results and detailed questions are publicly available for review. The polling underscores widespread public desire for stronger privacy rights amid government surveillance. The data suggest bipartisan concern for privacy and opposition to unequal protections. --- Source: Demand Progress Education Fund, December 14, 2023 Polling Results PDF Polling Questions PDF