Brazilians are the most likely to come across fake news

As part of the Safer Internet Day activities, celebrated on February 5, Microsoft presents research data on online risks – Brazil remains in 13th place in the ranking of exposure to digital risks

 
The internet can be a great tool for learning, communicating, socializing, exploring, playing and interacting. But online risks are always present and can affect people's lives. A survey commissioned by Microsoft and carried out by the Telecommunications Research Group in 22 countries revealed that Brazilians are the most likely to encounter fake news. A total of 73% of respondents said they had encountered fake news, significantly higher than the global average of 57%. Globally, 62% of online risks come from strangers and virtual contacts.
 
In Brazil, the survey shows that the risks offered by family and friends increased to 23%, a gain of 10 percentage points over the previous year. A reflection of this behavior is that 49% of Brazilians interviewed say they have lost trust in people. Among the most common online risks, unwanted contacts (from attempts to gather personal information to insistent attempts to socialize and contact strangers with inappropriate or personal questions) top the list, mentioned by 50% of respondents, followed by antivirus fraud ( 48%) and rumors (46%).
 
In the category of sexual risks, receiving unwanted images or messages was pointed out by 67% of respondents both in Brazil and in the global average. Brazil has a more serious picture with regard to unwanted requests for intimate images (43% compared to 32% in the rest of the world).
 
The survey also showed that teens asked their parents more (49%) or a trusted adult (33%) for help when faced with an online problem. The percentages are higher than the global average of 42% and 28%, respectively. Both in Brazil and in the world, this was an indicator that had a considerable increase in relation to the previous edition of the survey.
 
In addition, the study considered positive attitudes, and Brazil had an overall low in all categories evaluated. Brazilians are less cordial with each other, according to the survey. When it comes to offense, 49% of the respondents said they had already suffered, followed by humiliation, with 43%. Consequently, 56% of Brazilians have had a moderate to severe bad experience, in line with the global average. Only 24% think before answering something they disagree with and only 22% treat others with dignity and respect.
 
According to the research, these experiences, which sometimes occur to people due to their personal characteristics, gender, age and physical appearance, come from the same social circle as victims and can have a negative impact both on and off the internet. For this reason, it's important that people are aware of the impact their online interactions can have and adopt behavior that allows them to have a positive, safe, and healthy experience.
 
As part of its efforts to improve online experiences and interactions, Microsoft invites everyone to commit to socially responsible online relationships through Digital Civility Challenge, which includes the following points:
 

 

 

 

 
“At Microsoft, our goal is to support online safety and provide guidance for parents and teachers to educate young people on how to stay safe online through an understanding of online risks and their real-world consequences.” , says Andrés Rengifo, director of cybersecurity issues and intellectual property at Microsoft Latin America.
 
Safer Internet Day is an opportunity to promote a safer ecosystem for people, companies and governments, as well as encourage more civic behavior on the internet and invite more people, companies and institutions to get involved and commit to making life online. safer, healthier and more reliable line for everyone.